At last – something from the Parrot to excite our attention
The Bird Watching Team and parrot fanciers around the country are very
excited. At last, our feathered friend has said something to
attract our attention.

Anyone keen enough to be up and watching Gloria on Nine’s Today Show on
Friday got a special treat – a rare X-rated performance from the Parrot.

Host Steve Liebmann switched to the show’s daily highlight, the
Parrot’s squawk – and before viewers had time to lunge for the remote
control he had began his screed, lost way in the script and couldn’t
keep his feathers on.

“Jesus Christ!” a flustered Parrot squawked.

Hear it all here: Alan Jones mp3 (you will need Windows Media Player or equivalent)

The fingers went up in front of the lens for the second take – then the
directors cut quickly to advertisements, then back to shocked faces in
the studio.

A brilliant television moment.

Bird fanciers will recall the last great potty-mouthed Parrot performance, back in 2001, also brought to you by Crikey:
The Parrot squawks on Triple J and Crikey

We note that following that effort, Gloria is no longer employed by
2UE. We wonder if this latest outburst will precipitate his departure
from Nine? Or, more likely, will some poor editor cop the sword.

As for the rest of his performance of late, take these comments from 2GB the very same day as a good yardstick:

“I see Kim Beazley has taken leave from Parliament after being
diagnosed with Schaltenbrand’s Syndrome, a cerebro-spinal fluid leak
from around the brain.

“It’s said his condition is not life threatening and he has not undergone surgery.

“Doctors have advised him to have a complete rest for three weeks.

“A spokesman for Mr. Beazley said yesterday he was resting at home in Perth and expected to get back to work early next month.

“It’s said he has been unwell for some weeks, particularly during two recent overseas trips to Indonesia and China.

“He underwent a series of medical tests including an MRI scan that indicated the fluid leak.

“The most common complaint of patients suffering from Schaltenbrand’s Syndrome is strong, persistent headaches and tinnitus.”

Fascinating, compelling, incisive, hey?

That’s our Parrot.

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