Interview with a Cockatoo

On a walk along my local creek a while back I came across a pair of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos feeding in the grass in the late afternoon sun. They were pulling up weeds and eating the nutritious roots and bulbs. I sat down in the grass with them (as close as I dared) and watched and took photos as they gradually came closer to where I was sitting. One seemed particularly curious while I clicked away with the camera having a little chat with him. It was not until later when I processed the photos that I noticed that one had an old leg band  – maybe a cage band to stop it flying away – it does not look like a normal banding tag like we see on the shorebirds. I will have to keep an eye out for it. A pair, I think this pair, have taken up residence nearby in a large old Gum tree and may try to nest. It was quite an experience to just sit and let these (almost) wild birds just work there way around me while feeding.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Elster Creek

Looking the business…walking over to see what I was up to…

Deciding that I was pretty harmless…

Digging up bulbs and roots…

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo taking a power nap…

Alert but not alarmed…

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Elster Creek