After my last post I thought some good news would be nice. Yesterday evening Green R was spotted being preened by an adult male which is a social interaction that requires acceptance into a flock and trust. Carnaby's cockatoos pair for life and allopreening behaviour is also associated with forming and maintaining pair bonds. Seeing Green R involved in this behaviour is a great sign that she is doing well back in the wild.
I am hoping to show through my study that rehabilitated birds can not only survive and reintegrate back into wild flocks but that they also breed and contribute to the survival of the species. Hopefully I will get to see Green R with her male friend again.
