I hope you’ll forgive the change of format. If you know the tune, you can sing along!

I sought them here, I sought them there

Their clothes are loud but never square

With striking patchwork colours they always look their best

I am a dedicated* follower of Gouldians

 

And so I do my hopeful rounds

Of the finch haunts** of Wyndham town

Eagerly pursuing all the latest good advice

Cos’ I’m a dedicated follower of Gouldians

 

Oh yes I am, oh yes I am

They truly are a bright spark to be looked at

When you see them drinking from a puddle in the sunlight

You’re rewarded*** as a follower of Gouldians****

 

* Fair to say, one nights stopover in Wyndham could be challenged as fitting under the category of ‘dedicated’. But you can’t change this line in the tune!

** Puddles from overnight watering of the Council building’s lawn, bird bath at campground and score board at the oval. All noted Gouldian Finch haunts around Wyndham as well as the backyard of any Wynhamian that waters their garden. Apparently, they line up all in a row on the score board railings but not something I can corroborate from this visit.

*** In 2014, Janet and I were rewarded when a flock of 100 came to drink at a puddle outside the Council building. It was not to be repeated in 2015. However, two small mobs did fly over but were too nervous to land.

**** This link will help the verse make sense – http://libutron.tumblr.com/post/89674574305/gouldian-finches-erythrura-gouldiae . The technical guff on status etc – http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=413