Australian National Budgerigar Council
Gerry Michael Lynch 2025
On The Road
By Mark Williams
Visiting Champion Clearwing Breeders Gerry & Michael Lynch.
Intro – “A Life Well Lived”
I met Gerry and Michael about four years ago at my first Northside Budgerigar Club meeting in Sydney’s northern suburbs. Gerry, known for his sprightly nature and famous cakes, welcomed me with warmth. Michael, his loyal son and partner in birds, shares Gerry’s love for people—and his cake!
Unbeknownst to me then, they were clearwing royalty. Visiting their family home in Dee Why, I found Gerry’s life full of resilience, from fighting in the “Main Event” at Sydney Stadium to building an award-winning aviary. Despite losing a bout under questionable circumstances in Newcastle, Gerry rarely loses in life. He stopped boxing after the tragic loss of his brother and never looked back.
Q&A with Gerry
What sparked your interest in budgerigars?
“I saw an aviary exhibition at the Brookvale Show and instantly fell in love. I went home and built an aviary for the kids—really for myself.”
How long have you been in the hobby?
50 years in birdkeeping; 20 as an exhibition breeder.
Breeding setup:
12 active cabinets (out of 15), breeding Clearwings year-round using long nest boxes filled with sawdust.
Club:
Proud members of Northside, Sydney’s only northern suburbs club. “We’re small, but close-knit.”
Advice for newcomers:
“Enjoy your birds. Don’t keep too many to start. Breed not just for today, but to build for the future.”
Favourite varieties:
Clearwings dominate the stud (75%). Also keeps Rainbows, Golden Faced, Clearbodies, Normals, and Opalines for outcrossing.
Favourite moment:
Getting a Clearwing Green series cock to Nationals at age 85 and placing 8th in Hobart. “I told Peter Dodd, ‘Oh my God, that’s my bird!’”
Bird room wish list:
Gary Watson and Robert Manville – highly respected for quality and knowledge.
Bloodlines:
Original Clearwings, Golden Faced from the Mantons, and Clearbodies from the author. A key addition was a Terry Bevan Normal Hen for size and head quality.
Best bird:
2021 Clearwing Light Green Cock – placed 2nd at Nationals, currently feeding chicks.
Other hobbies:
Gerry: gardening, fish, and warding off bush turkeys.
Michael: bowling and boxing trivia.
Aviary setup:
Three aviaries (two enclosed, one outdoor), all nestled on sandstone with ocean views. Spacious, well-aired, and purpose-built as the flock expanded.
Feeding:
Custom mix (canary, French white, jap millet, B12 oil), fresh greens and lemon tea tree, no additives. “It’s about prevention, not treatment.”
Biggest concern:
The future of Northside Club. “We need support to survive.”
Most respected:
Gary Gazzard – “Top judge, breeder, commentator.”
Warren Wilson – For rare variety preservation and long-term commitment.
Favourite team:
Manly Sea Eagles since 1954. “Decorated my butcher’s shop when they won!”
Dream dinner guest:
Mike Tyson—“But he might eat me!”
Words to live by:
“I’ve had a blessed life. I didn’t have to go to war and I’ve been well loved.”
In Closing
So, if you ever see two older men quietly watching a show, pants held up by braces and eyes keen on the birds—pull up a chair. You won’t regret the chat.
