Report - Glossy Black-Cockatoo search, Mt Majura (Sat 26 June 2004)

Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami ) Adult Male.
Photo courtesy David Cook

11 COG members met in Mackenzie St, Hackett, late on a cold Canberra afternoon. Our purpose was (hopefully) to watch Glossy Black-Cockatoos drinking at one of 2 dams below the southern slopes of Majura, where they had been regularly seen for 6 months or more. We arrived at the lower dam at about 4.10pm and as previous visits indicated the birds usually didn’t start arriving until about 4.30pm, we decided to have a look at the second dam, 100 metres further up the valley. This proved to be a good decision, as two Glossies flew in, calling, as we approached the site. They conveniently perched in the open in a dead tree, which gave everyone great views. A third bird appeared, and then 10 more including a flock of 8. Eventually we saw 9 birds drink, with 4 still waiting their turn when we left just after 5pm. All appeared to be unfazed by our presence and all were still in the trees around the dam when we departed. As well as seeing the Glossies, we saw good numbers of Australian King-Parrots flying through the valley, possibly to roost in the nearby pine plantation. Late stayers were also treated to the sight of a Brown Goshawk, and brief views of a Peregrine Falcon zooming over.

Steve Holliday