Judge Patrick Varian runs a keen eye over the Gloster competitors this weekend at the National Cage Bird Show, sponsored by Higgins Premium Pet Foods. Varian was born in Ireland and moved to the United States in 1964. He became a sanctioned judge with the National Gloster Club and the North American Border Club in 1982. Courtesy Crystal Apilado

Canaries waiting to be judged at the 2007 National Cage Bird Show in Denver, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Bird Talk staff.

The Scannell Award for Best in Show and the Award for Best Song Bird in Show at the 59th Annual National Cage Bird Show, sponsored by Higgins Premium Pet Foods. Photo courtesy of Bird Talk staff.

Judge Roland Dubuc judging lineolated parakeets. Photo courtesy of Bird Talk staff.