GANGGANGS AT GLENROWAN

BEVERLEY

Reporting in from Glenrowan, Ned Kelly's last stand

We've been wanting to spend some time with gang gangs in the wild for ages, and so we've been watching social media bird postings to see where and when they are most likely to appear. All messages and roads pointed to Glenrowan, a couple of hours north of Melbourne on the Hume Highway. 

Glenrowan is a gorgeous little town, very much focused on its tourist attraction of the history of Ned's last stand. So you will see. Ned Kellys everywhere! But the great thing is that just five minutes out of town is the Glenrowan Tourist Park, and that's where you can see the ganggangs - and we did!

Mid-afternoon, just after we arrived, we could hear the creak creak creak sound of their call, and about twenty flew into the high trees around the park. If, like us, you quite new to birdwatching, you may like to hear an example of their call. Here is a recoding collected by Rosalie on the day - that distinctive "creaky gate" sound...

We dodged around and got some snaps as best we could, trying our best to get them in the afternoon light. Then what happens, we learnt from fellow travellers (thanks @serendipity_birder), is they congregate in the trees near the park office and after much squawking and checking out the lie of the land, they swoop down in pairs and enjoy the birdbath conveniently located just outside cabin number 3 (hint: book that one if you're chasing front row seats at this show)...​And the gang gangs didn't disappoint, playing to the gallery!

But wait there's more...there are many other birds that are regular visitors here. Sadly, the turquoise parrots were busy elsewhere during our stay, but they do turn up sometimes. As do rosellas and peaceful doves. Keep looking at the corner of the paddock out front of cabin number four. Meanwhile, the lovely gardens there attract eastern spinebills and New Holland honeyeaters in droves.

Back in town, the Ned Kelly history is really enthralling, and there are several shops worth visiting especially the antiques and wares of yesteryear. But it was the pub that really took our fancy: we decided not to cook on this leg of our short trip, so we had dinner at the pub for two nights. Great meals, good wine selection, lovely service, and and a real country town community vibe. We recommend it highly. And the Tourist Park is really worth a visit. Go Glenrowan!