Pink D shot in Pickering Brook

I found Pink D dead in Pickering Brook yesterday afternoon. She is being examined by the vets at Perth Zoo today but she was definitely shot.

It makes me so angry. I think it is such as shame that people appear to still be shooting these endangered birds in an effort to protect their orchards. I will pay extra for 'cockatoo friendly' apples if it means the apple orchards are netted instead!



Meet the Greenies

Green P

We fitted tracking devices to three new study birds today. Amongst them is an adult male and an adult female. The mature birds have generally been the ones in the past to fly long distances. We'll soon find out how well they know their geography and how keen they are to go 'home'.

Green P has beautiful strong tail feathers. He is a mature male based on his dark bill and pink eye ring




Green T is a very vocal young male. I still have all my fingers intact after catching him - only just! Usually it is the females that screech.

Green E flies very well. She is a mature female based on her light coloured bill and bright cheek patch.



Green E



Other News.... Blue L was found yesterday near Mandurah after he crashed into a window. He was taken to a local vet and the leg band alerted the vet that he was special. He is currently being cared for at Perth Zoo. Lets hope he is okay. His tracking device gave its last reading from Canning Vale back in September.

Table manners

Here's a couple of pics I quite like. They are of some flock mates of Pink D in Canning Vale.

Who says birds don't have table manners...

Well, maybe they don't. Standing on the 'table' usually isn't considered good manners at least for humans anyway.

Update on pink tails

I haven't given an update on where my study birds are recently so thought I'd show you a quick map of the last 4 days. Pink T is reliably staying in Nedlands and Dalkeith. The others are moving around  a bit and never quite meeting up despite crossing paths. The labelled big squares indicate where they roosted last night.

Plant labels launch

Today I went to the launch of the "Choose for Black Cockatoos" plant label at Zanthorrea Nursery. The labels are being used to promote a selection of locally native species that are used for food by Carnaby's cockatoo that are also perfect for planting in home gardens. 

Tam Kabat (Birdlife Australia) and Louise Hopper (Kaarakin) with Chasey at the
launch

If you'd like to know more about what plants are used by the cockatoos visit the Plants for Carnaby's Search Tool.

Pink T and friends

Pink T has settled into life with a flock that roosts each night in the vicinity of Hollywood Hospital. He has been noticed feasting on liquid amber and drinking from bird baths in Nedlands. He has even visited Parliament House (well, the pines trees in the gardens at least)

There are four wild birds with distinctive markings on their tails that I have seen him with on several occasions now.

Here are some pics of Pink T's friends.



2013 Great Cocky Count Volunteer Request

Every April, the Great Cocky Count (GCC) counts as many Carnaby’s Cockatoos as possible across WA on a single night. This year, the GCC is on Sunday 7 April. It’s a very easy survey, simply counting all cockatoos flying into their night-time roosting trees at a specific place. It only takes an hour, starting half an hour before sunset. Get more information and register as a volunteer at www.birdlife.org.au/carnabys/great-cocky-count.

Who knows you might be lucky enough to spot one of my study birds.