Yet More Cockatoos
I was on my way to Maydena this morning when I came upon one of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flocks, this one at Plenty (just North of New Norfolk). The flock numbered around 400, I would guess, and was spread out over several kilometres. I stopped to photograph a group in tall eucalypts close to the road--surprised they let me get that close! I then realised that among the Sulphur-crested were a 'sub flock' of about a dozen Long-billed Corellas. I think this is the first time I've had more than a fleeting, distant view of them in Tasmania. I gather they have had a substantial increa
se in population in Victoria, and are well established in the Northern Midlands of Tasmania. Probably closer inspection of Sulphur-crested flocks will throw up more records. I didn't get a count of the total numbers of Corella, but saw at least 20.
I was on my way to Maydena this morning when I came upon one of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flocks, this one at Plenty (just North of New Norfolk). The flock numbered around 400, I would guess, and was spread out over several kilometres. I stopped to photograph a group in tall eucalypts close to the road--surprised they let me get that close! I then realised that among the Sulphur-crested were a 'sub flock' of about a dozen Long-billed Corellas. I think this is the first time I've had more than a fleeting, distant view of them in Tasmania. I gather they have had a substantial increa
se in population in Victoria, and are well established in the Northern Midlands of Tasmania. Probably closer inspection of Sulphur-crested flocks will throw up more records. I didn't get a count of the total numbers of Corella, but saw at least 20.
If you are looking for Long-billed Corellas, there is quite a flock lives and breeds on Kingston Golf course, and they usually let you get quite close. I have heard about the mixed flocks in Tassie, but despite checking flocks of Sulfur-crested Cockatoos, haven't come across any yet. We've been particularl looking for Little Corellas among the Sulfur-cresteds, because we're not sure we've been able to add the Little Corella to our Tassie list as yet. Have seen a number of flocks of Corellas flying over at times, but never been able to say for sure whether they were Littles or Long-billed. Any advice on wher we can definitely find Little Corellas would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHi John, Well I can't say I was looking for them! Just a chance to add the shots to my collection. I believe "Littles" have been seem among the Kingston flock in recent times. I can also recall that they have been seen for many years in the Dunnalley/Primrose Sands area. I suspect they originated from escapees, as they often came and sat outside the cage of captive corellas.The local Galahs are doing well here, I counted 52 on the wires outside my home a few days ago. I do have some difficulty thinking of these and similar parrots as birdable birds, because I think that many are the prodigeny of escapees.(Just as well I don't apply the same thinking to Tasmanians!)
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I'd REALLY be in trouble!
ReplyDelete