The Gray Shrike Thrush Poem by Francis Duggan

How can anyone mistake him this gray feathered minstrel of the Spring
On the sunlit gums and wattles all day long he whistle and sing
Nature lovers of Eastern Australia recognize him by his song
Once heard he cannot be mistaken the next time you won't get him wrong.

In wood, park and country garden one quite often heard and seen
In his slate gray to grayish plumage he stands out amongst the green
He is known as the gray shrike thrush no finer songster than he
He sings for only one reason to proclaim his territory.

wild-born birds love their freedom born with the wings for to fly
Though some are restricted by their borders they have the freedom of the sky
Some birds by their songs familiar a bird one cannot mistake
Is the gray shrike thrush in the garden piping in the cool of daybreak.

How can anyone mistake him with his distinctive melody
The gray shrike thrush of the rural Town garden piping on the wattle tree
Not that very pretty to look at but he pipes a beautiful air
And as a wild feathered songster few with him can hope to compare.