Glossy Black Cockatoos

[Stacey32]

Hello,
My favourite part of my last hiking get away was seeing Glossy Black Cockatoos. Glossy Black Cockatoos are endangered. Australia has five species of black cockatoos. They are the smallest of the black cockatoos. They live in hollowed out dead trees. That’s why their numbers are declining as rapidly as they are. They only have one chick, which apparently takes over three months to fledge.

The main area you can attempt to see them is in she-oak trees. They are very difficult to see and find. This is because I expected them to make noise like sulfer crested too’s and they aren’t that loud. It’s only when we found the seeds in the photo below that we knew they must’ve been feeding in the area. Then, we stopped and listened very carefully and heard them right above us. We could hear them opening the seeds, and an occasional “purring” type noise.


From what I read, I understand that the Glossy Blacks are extremely finicky eaters, and they only eat three different species of the she-oak, which apparently makes them one of the most specialised birds around.

I’ll get the photos posted in stages (because I am out of time and must go to work). The first one is of the seeds…. They eat them by grabbing the woody fruit off of the tree and then turning them upside down to crack the seed and eat the flesh (which you can see is kinda yellow).

I promise I'll get the photos of the birds up soon...but they really aren't that great of photos.

[Stacey32]

And, here are the trees they were in. You can see the wispy she-oak trees within the photo. The reasons why my photos of the birds are so poor :( are (1) the sun position, and (2) the trees are on a hill. I wanted to walk up that hill and me more "in line" and at the level of the birds. However, I had already seen three red bellied black snakes (poisonous) and didn't want to stray off the path as I didn't have on my rubber boots and shin guards.

[Stacey32]

And, one of the reasons I took to the most well-beaten track...

[Tiki]

Stacey, I was all set to join you on your next trip until I saw that last pic!

[MiniMacMum]

Can't wait to see your pics of the Black Cockatoo!! I've always wanted to visit, but probably will never get the chance. It's a beautiful place :) Poisonous creatures & all, LOL!!! I sure felt bad about what happened to Steve Irwin :( I enjoyed his shows, ALOT!!! Anyway, nice pics of all the different birds you posted :)

[homebird]

Nice photo journal & story line & build-up to the photo finish!

[Stacey32]

Sorry all, I promised i would have them posted and just haven't yet. I'll try to do it tonight. they are not wonderful. Yes, steve irwin's death is very sad. i will try to go to his memorial next wednesday if i can get off of work :(

[Stacey32]

Here are some photos of the glossy blacks.
They are so beautiful to watch.

I attached a link that shows a closer picture of a glossy black. I don't know why my fancy camera didn't capture better images. It was the wrong time of the day apparently with the light. So, the attached image is not from me. I'm not sure who took it or I'd give that person credit.

Stacey

[Missysbirdies]

i was all set to go till i saw the snake too, LOL. Loved seeing your pics and reading your journalling.