So, what to do in winter if you are a cockatoo?
Sulphur Crested Cockatoos living in Canberra have an abundance of food, and very few enemies. So there is plenty of recreational time.
…During the dreary winter days why not practice undoing knots, and a tennis net is just the thing….
Parrot experts say that the parrot family are the smartest of all bird families, they continue to learn as they grow, rather than relying on instinct.
Luckily humans leave tempting problems like street lamps and tennis nets, and almonds wedged in the roof of carports..
The Little Corella is a cousin of the cockatoo, and has become a frequent visitor to the Canberra region in recent years….judging by the amount of lamp post covers swinging in the wind.
Members of the Canberra Ornithologist Group have noticed Corellas teasing rows of Crested Pigeons perched on power lines by pushing them off balance..(obviously the Little Corella has no problem with balance)
There is something very sweet about these Crested Pigeons, who manage to keep their fine hairdos in place regardless of the weather…(or teasing going on)
In June, the beginning of winter, we usually have cold crisp days, with blue skies…
Food is still in abundance…
Then comes the grey, cold July days, and life becomes a bit tougher..
On cold winter mornings these King Parrots perch on the guttering of our cabin in the garden. There they drink the melted icy water after a frosty night.
We have a Japanese Maple growing between the cabin in the garden and our house. This year the King Parrots have come to feed on the dried seed pods…
.. giving us a perfect chance for photos as we sit in the sunroom having coffee..
The male King Parrot spends a lot of time rearranging his tail so that he can eat in comfort.
This magnificent Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo flew into my neighbour’s garden last winter, and used the Silver Birch tree as a viewing platform in the hunt for food..
(Despite their regal appearance, I read recently that their cousins the Orange-tailed Black Cockatoo in Western Australia have suffered injuries from Raven attacks.)
And now, in mid-August, there is warmth in the air, and the skies are occasionally blue again.
We saw this Magpie on our walk this morning, and he began warbling…… a very familiar and much loved Australia Magpie call.
My Scottish father used to say the bagpipes brought ”a stirring” to his heart and I think a Magpie’s warbling brings a stirring to most Australian hearts.
and back home, here is another important member of our garden bird family ….one very noisy Cockatoo!
… it is true, spring is almost here!
Paul and I are also waiting for a very special event in our lives, my daughter and her husband are soon to have a baby, our first grandchild!
With the early morning light increasing, I have been getting up early (hard to sleep in when waiting for baby) and reading and enjoying many blogs …a lovely distraction.
May you enjoy your season, and green spaces, where ever you live in the world…
Copyright Geraldine Mackey: All Rights Reserved
