Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos face an uncertain future in WA. This once widespread bird is now reduced to a population of only around 40,000 and continued destruction of its habitat can only mean numbers will reduce further.
Fortunately there are people who care enough to help save the bird species from extinction, and some of these carers attended the Moore Catchment Council’s Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Information Day in Guilderton on 27th October.
Rachel Walmsley MCC’s NRM Officer said “This info day was held as part of the MCC’s State NRM Program funded project to create 10 ha of Carnaby’s forage habitat between Gingin and Guilderton using native plant species.”
The day involved five interesting speakers that included:
- Jess Lee from Birdlife Australia who talked about the annual Great Cocky Count;
- Sarah Mason from Calingiri who talked about revegetation on her farm;
- Keith Lightbody who shared his fabulous Carnaby’s photography;
- Wally Kerkhoff from Moora who talked about his Carnaby’s conservation group; and
- Nat Vallance from Muchea Tree Nursery who talked about native plant species to suit soil type and gave away seedlings.
Nat also brought along Bob the rescued Red-tailed Cockatoo who kept everyone awake with his chattering !
To wind up the day, a Carnaby’s quiz was held with the winners receiving a signed Keith Lightbody framed photo. Rachel said “the fun quiz tested everyone’s new knowledge about how to identify Carnaby’s and their habitat. Well done to winners Libby Sturrock, Karen Barfield and Sue Pedrick who all received one of Keith’s fabulous Carnaby’s photos.”
