Photo by Ken Piper
“George and Gertie” Gang-gang
by Edwina Smith
GEORGE:
“Now we don’t do desert
so forget about a search.
In 50 C and no shade
we’d fall right off the perch!
We like cool climate ranges
with the freshest forest air;
on freezing foggy mornings
you’ll find me and Gertie there.”
GERTIE:
“Isn’t George a sight to see,
aglow in fiery red.
He’s perched upon a wattle tree –
feather duster on his head!
As you see I’m mostly grey
with salmon-coloured bars
so don’t mistake a Gang-gang for
those noisy, pink galahs!”
GEORGE:
“We love little saw fly grubs
and don’t mind their yucky goo.
While other birds will fly away
we’re downing quite a few!
Our busy beaks keep them in check;
we’ll clean them up with ease.
Gert and I shall do our best
to help our favourite trees.”
GERTIE:
“The seasons flow in nature;
we watch them come and go.
With cooler days of Autumn
it’s time to fly down low.
By warmer days of Springtime
we move to higher ground,
looking for our nesting place
where older trees are found.”
GEORGE:
“ Let’s please protect our forest-
we need those hollows deep.
When nesting in an ageing gum
our chicks can grow and sleep.
We’ll keep them fed and share the care
by tending ‘round the clock.
If all goes well, we hope to tell
they’re off to join the flock.”
GEORGE AND GERTIE TOGETHER:
“ We’re totally terrific
and in case you haven’t heard
a lot of people do believe
we’re Canberra’s favourite bird!
We’re covered in charisma-
that’s why we have to be
the formal faunal emblem of
our leafy A.C.T.”
EDWINA SMITH.
August 3 rd , 2025.
Revised 9 th August, 2026.