Alan Jones is no longer just Gloria, but Gloriana, the reigning queen of radio, and the Crikey Bird Watching Team is keeping an ear on Australia’s most powerful shock jock. This week, we’re not alone.

Just a short Droppings this week, as our feathered friend has had enough coverage this week, what with the ABA and all.

And isn’t it wonderful to see our media watchdog finally stir – after prodding from Media Watch and the Communications Law Centre.

It’s interesting that Lord Flint is publicly musing about broadening the Australia Broadcasting Authority’s guidelines to include the sponsorship deals between companies and radio stations – like the sponsorship of the Parrot by Telstra – rather than individual presenters.

Even more interesting, however, will be the Authority’s examination of the issue of the Parrot’s equity in 2GB itself.

It’s thought that when Singo bought the Parrot, he got a 20 per cent stake in the station. As Media Watch pointed out, the rules say that the ABA should have been notified of the changes to 2GB’s ownership. That hasn’t happened.

The Parrot himself has said he owns equity in the station – but the ABA said it had “has been reassured by 2GB that there is nothing to report in relation to Mr Jones”.

All very odd. And despite all this, the latest reports say Gloria may have also taken a bite out of GB’s sister station, 2CH, as well.

Whatever the case, the Parrot hasn’t been pleased. The events of the week seems to have got his feathers ruffled.

On Wednesday, the day after his Lordship had made his proclamation, the Parrot went into a long and loud squawk just after 7:30 on Media Watch, river-turning and cash for comment. He then went into an on-air read for Telstra and finished off with a narky ad-lib.

Funnily enough, unlike his other words of wisdom, the Parrot has chosen not to share this with the world via the web. Indeed, none of his editorials from Wednesday are up on the 2GB site. Strange.

This little squawk from Tuesday is fairly odd true:

“I’ll tell you what, you talk about local government.

“One of my listeners has written to say that Leichhardt Council has gone mad over trees.

“From section 62 of their tree preservation order dated January 19 2001 and concerning consent to remove a tree, it says ‘Dropping of leaves, flowers, fruit or twigs will not generally justify removal, nor will issues such as the cracking of pipes, driveways, footpaths, paving or fences’.

“Forget about your right to properly maintain your property.

“But presumably this has something to do with Leichhardt Council’s Tree Preservation Officer.

“‘The dropping of leaves, flowers, fruit or twigs will not generally justify removal, nor will issues such as the cracking of pipes, driveways, footpaths, paving or fences.’

“Leichhardt Council.

“‘Judgment thou are fled to brutish beasts.'”

Yes, yes. Quoting Shakespeare is dead posh – but parrots are supposed to like trees?

From all of us at the bottom of the cage, until next time, goodbye.

The Crikey Bird Watching Team can be contacted at hillarybray@crikey.com.au