Birds

Carnaby’s tracking reveals new flight paths

Satellite tracking devices attached to 11 Carnaby’s cockatoos are beginning to reveal some of the
species’ mysterious behaviour and movements, one month on from their release in and near Perth.
The rehabilitated cockatoos were released from Perry Lakes and Yanchep National Park in May with
satellite tags attached as part of a project to monitor their movements for research. They quickly
joined wild flocks of Carnaby’s in the area.

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) research officer and University of Western
Australia PhD student Christine Groom said the satellite tracking had already produced some
fascinating results.
“This has never been done before with black cockatoos, so the data from the past month have
provided us with an insight into the daily lives of Carnaby’s cockatoos that hasn’t previously been
possible,” she said.

“Two of the cockatoos released at Perry Lakes headed east into the Perth Hills and have remained
there, while one has headed south and was last recorded at Lake Preston, more than 100km from
the release site.

“Of the cockatoos released at Yanchep National Park, two continue to drift between the park and the
Pinjar pine plantation, while another has settled in an area along Lancelin Road between Seabird
and Ledge Point.

“The data are showing us previously unknown night roost sites, daily movement patterns and
significant travel distances, with one cockatoo travelling more than 60km in one day.
“The more we learn about the behaviour and movements of these iconic birds, the better we can
protect them with targeted recovery efforts.”

In addition to the tracking devices, the cockatoos had their tail feathers marked with non toxic blue or
pink ink in order for people to recognise the birds and report sightings to DEC.
“Sightings by the public are helping fill in the gaps between satellite fixes and provide valuable
observations of flock size and behaviour,” Ms Groom said.

To report a sighting of a tail-marked black cockatoo phone DEC on 0409 087 631 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the location details.

Media contact: DEC Media 6467 5555
Facebook: www.facebook.com/decwa
Twitter: @DECWesternAus

Last Updated on Friday, 06 July 2012 17:54

Black Cockatoos splitting open Banksia cones

Ken sent in this photo of black cockatoos feeding on Banksia cones or the grubs inside them.

The trees around Lake Joondalup are an important source of food for these magnificent birds.

Last Updated on Thursday, 02 August 2012 13:42

Cockatoo Coalition to protect this bird

From In My Community:

COMMUNITY and environmental groups aiming to protect the habitat of WA’s endangered black cockatoos have formed a partnership.

The Cockatoo Coalition has set up an action website cockatoosneedyou.org.au addressed to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and WA Premier Colin Barnett, asking for Government intervention to ensure the future of the birds.

The coalition wants West Australians to add their voices to the call for help by either writing to the politicians or signing an online petition via the website.

The Department of Environment and Conservation recently released 28 rehabilitated Carnaby’s black cockatoos back into their natural habitat at Yanchep National Park.

Last Updated on Sunday, 10 June 2012 17:29

28 cockatoos return to wild

From Joondalup Times including the photo:

THE biggest flock of rehabilitated Carnaby’s black cockatoos ever released back into the wild in WA were set free in Yanchep National Park on August 16.

The Department of Environment and Conservation, and volunteers from the Black Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre, returned 28 birds to their natural habitat.

The centre, based in the Perth hills, works closely with DEC and Perth Zoo specialising in the care of sick, injured and orphaned Carnaby’s and Baudin’s red-tailed and white-tailed black cocka- toos.

DEC senior wildlife officer Rick Dawson said the release was a “great sight to watch” and an important step in the recovery plan for the species.

“We are keen to keep track of the rehabilitated birds, so bands and microchips have been placed on the birds to monitor their progress and gauge the success of the release,” he said.

“DNA samples also have been taken to aid monitoring and identification programs for the species.

“In the past 12 years more than 500 Carnaby’s cockatoos have been released back into the wild.”

The birds are an endangered species under both WA and Commonwealth legislation.

Threats include loss of habitat and shooting.

The number of white-tailed black cockatoos has dropped considerably since the 1960s but the birds can live up to 50 years in the right circumstances.

Last Updated on Sunday, 10 June 2012 17:30