It's the Hunter Valley Avicultural Society's annual bird sale on Saturday, with bird lovers from most states expected to be on hand.

All up there will be more than 4000 birds of all colours and sizes for sale at Cessnock's Civic Indoor Sports Centre - everything from the humble double bar finch to the more exotic varieties of macaws parrots.

 “If you’re into birds, it’s better than going to the zoo,” said Society secretary Andrew Rankmore.

"There will be everything there from the cheap $5 bird up to the far more expensive varieties.

“You can get some birds that are worth $100,000 a pair ... birds like the hyacinth macaw from South America and seriously expensive."

Anything like that at Cessnock?

"No, I would think our most expensive birds at the show would probably be around $16,000 a pair, maybe $20,000," he said. “There won’t be a lot though, because the cost is obviously prohibitive for most people.”

Most of those really expensive birds come from South America or Africa he explained.

Aside from the birds themselves there will be trade tables offering accessories of all kinds.

So, for the uninitiated, is it difficult to look after birds?

"No, not at all,” he said.

“In fact it’s remarkably easy … certainly easier than dogs and cats and fish."

The society meets monthly at Telarah Bowling Club and is one of the most active avicultural societies in Australia, with about 200 members. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to come along to the bird sale in Cessnock and chat to the members.

There will also be trade displays and refreshments available.

The stadium is located on Mount View Road. The bird sale will run from 10am to 2pm and public entry is $3 per person.

For more information go to the Hunter Valley Avicultural Society's facebook page.