Council hosts workshops ahead of annual survey of Glossy Black-Cockatoo

Redland City Council is supporting an annual survey of the vulnerable Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was hosting free workshops next week to help volunteers participating in the bird count.

“This survey is an important part of ongoing efforts to protect one of the smallest and rarest cockatoos in Australia, and we are lucky to have this stunning species reside on Redlands Coast,” she said.

“Most of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo sightings have been on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

“However, late last year there were increased sightings in the Scribbly Gums Conservation Area at Alexandra Hills, and chewed orts (evidence of glossies feeding) were found in the same area in June this year.

“The birds feed exclusively on seeds in the cones of She-oak trees and leave a scattering of chewed seeds (orts) beneath them.

“So these She-oak trees are vital for the continued presence of these beautiful cockatoos on Redlands Coast.

“They also require very large hollows to breed in and these are only found in veteran (old growth) trees.”

Cr Williams said Redland City Council had been an active partner of the Glossy Black Conservancy since it was officially formed in 2005 and worked with the community by planting future feed tree resources, education and research of ‘glossies’ and their habitat requirements.

The Glossy Black Conservancy is running this year’s bird count on the weekend of 11 and 12 September.

In preparation, Council is hosting a workshop at IndigiScapes on Sunday 15 August and a virtual workshop on Monday 16 August.

“The workshops are a great way to learn how to identify the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, its feed trees and signs of feeding,” Cr Williams said.

“Participants will also be shown how to record an observation and learn the difference between the three species of black cockatoos in south-east Queensland.

“By being involved in the annual survey your sightings of these birds will provide critical information about their distribution which will assist the long-term management of them in the region.”

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Survey Training Workshop will be held at IndigiScapes from 9-11am on 15 August. Numbers are capped. For more information, including how to register, visit the IndigiScapes website.

The online workshop will be held, via Zoom, on Monday 16 August from 6-8pm. For details email [email protected]

Glossy Black-Cockatoo sightings can be recorded any time at glossyblack.org.au