Annual Count 2023

Over 120 volunteers participated in this years annual count, held on Saturday 6 May. Volunteers travelled far and wide within the range of the cockatoo in south-east South Australia and south-west Victoria.

After taking into consideration liekly duplicate records and a few additional sightings either side of count day, the final tally stands at 1,204 birds. This is 61 more birds than last year. 

There were 25 sightings across the range on the day even though it was a cold, wet and windy day. The birds were generally found across the middle of the range, with the majority found in the Casterton and Edenhope areas. There were four large flocks sighted, ranging from 120 - 285 birds and a number of smaller flocks with an average size of about 25.

Despite the weather and a few people pulling out, we still had an impressive 65 groups of volunteers, comprising of 128 people. Some volunteers were even able to collect some valuable data on the amount of food currently available for the birds by gathering information on stringybark seed. Sightings of Red-tails proved to be consistent with high scores of stringybark capsules.

This year volunteers teams spent over 257 hours searching for Red-tails, covering more than 2,300 kilometres of roadside stringybark forest. This is a huge effort, especially in not so great weather! The Recovery Team would like to thank all of the volunteers this year. The count would not be possible without everyones help. Its still vitally important that we keep track of the Red-tail population. Having this knowledge allows us to better understand key priorities for conservation methods over time including factors such as habitat use and breeding success.

The day was also finished off with the campout at Baileys Rocks. A small group of volunteers braved the freezing cold weather to sit around a campfire and exchange wonderful stories. Looking forward to that again next year!

A special thankyou also goes to Even Roberts, Bron Perryman, Richard Hill and Tim Burnard for their invaluable annual count knowledge.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by Birdlife Australia. The Annual Count is supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. The project is funded by The Australian Governments National Landcare Program.

Skye McPherson - SERTBC Recovery Progam Coordinator

Annual Count 2022

This year 70 groups totalling 118 volunteers took part in the annual count. After taking into consideration double counts of cockatoos and a few additional sightings of Red-tails recorded either side of the count day, the final tally stands at 1,143 birds, very close to the 2021 tally of 1,230 birds. 

Volunteers reported 25 sightings this year. The weather conditions on the day were fairly average with many groups experiencing a cold, wet and windy day which may have affected the results. Five large flocks ranging from 70-250 birds were included within the total.

Information gathered during the annual count is crucial to determine patterns of habitat use, the minimum number of birds in the population and most importantly, the location of large flocks. There five large flocks (greater than 70 birds) reported on the day. This year they were found around Edenhope, Coonawarra and Rennick. Other sightings were made near Benayeo, Charam, Langkoop, Derfhol, Penola, Francis and Wandilo.

This year the number of Red-tails observed in Victoria (909 birds and 18 sightings) was greater than that seen in SA (234 birds and 7 sightings). Nineteen groups observed Red-tails wither on count day or within a few days of the count.

We also had the optional stringybark seed monitoring on offer for keen volunteers who wanted to collect additional data for the recovery Project. There were 15 volunteer groups who opted to take part in this, collecting valuable data which will provide important information on food availability for Red-tails.

Some volunteers also attended the Annual Count training session on the morning of the count. this session took place in Rotary Park at Casterton where volunteers learned what the Red-tails sound like, the tell-tale feeding signs and how to identify stringybark from other eucalypt woodland. It was great to meet some of our wonderful volunteers face to face!

This year volunteers spent over 210 hours searching for the cockatoos across the range. participants came from a variety of backgrounds including farmers who searched their own properties, a great team of locals who regularlty take part in the count and several people who travelled from as fas as Adelaide and Melbourne to attend their very first survey.

Acknowledgements

The Recovery Team would like to say a massive thankyou to everyone who took part in the event and reported sightings and also to those who helped promote the event. This would not be possible without the help and support from locals and landholders in the Red-tails range. We hope that next year

A special thanks to Evan Roberts for his assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day. Also thanks to Bron Perryman, Richard Hill and Tim Burnard for their invaluable annual count knowledge!

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia and is supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Governments National Landcare Program.

Skye McPherson - SERTBC Recovery Project Coordinator

Annual Count 2021

This year 85 groups totalling 181 volunteers took part in the annual count for the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo across the range on Saturday 1 May.

BirdLife Australia and the SERTBC Recovery Team were thankful that the count was able to go ahead this year, after last year’s backyard birding event which took place instead of the annual count.

After taking into consideration double counts of cockatoos and three additional sightings of Red-tails recorded either side of count day the final tally stands at 1230 birds, slightly more than the 2019 tally of 1193 birds.

Volunteers reported a record number of 57 sightings this year, an increase from the 2019 result of 43 sightings. The weather conditions on the day were fairly mild which resulted in good conditions for counting cockies. Six large flocks ranging in size from 80-200 birds were included within the total.

Figure 1: A barred bird observed on count day resting in a tree. Photo: Brad Russell

The birds were again widely dispersed across the range, with sightings from as far north as The Gap in South Australia to Gorae in the south-west of Victoria.

Information gathered during the annual count is crucial to determine patterns of habitat use, the minimum number of birds in the population and most importantly, the location of large flocks. There were six large flocks (greater than 80 birds) reported on the day.

This year, large flocks were found near Edenhope, Langkoop, Coonawarra and Nelson. Other sightings were made near Benayeo, Goroke, Natimuk, Clear Lake, Dergholm, Casterton, Rennick, Digby, Tarpeena and Wattle Range.

The table below provides a breakdown of the results for South Australia and Victoria. This year the number of Red-tails and sightings observed in Victoria (971 birds and 51 sightings/flocks excluding double counts) was greater than that seen in South Australia (259 birds and 6 sightings/flocks excluding double counts).

Thirty-six groups observed Red-tails either on count day or within a few days of the count.

Table 1: Observations and Results of 2021 annual count by state and region 

Figure 2: Observations and counts of South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos recorded as part of the 2021 Annual Count

This year there was also optional stringybark seed monitoring on offer for keen volunteers who wanted to collect additional data for the Recovery Project. There were 28 volunteer groups that opted to take part in this monitoring, collecting valuable data which will provide important information on food availability for Red-tails.

A small number of volunteers also attended the Annual Count training session on the morning of the count. This session took place in Rotary Park at Casterton and volunteers learned what the Red-tails sounds like, the tell-tale feeding signs of the birds, and how to identify stringybark from other eucalypt woodland.

This year volunteers spent over 340 hours searching for the cockatoos across their range. Participants came from a variety of different backgrounds including farmers who searched their own properties, a great team of locals who regularly take part in the count, and several participants who travelled from as far as Adelaide and Melbourne to help out with the survey.

Figure 3: Kelsey Bennett teaching volunteers about the South-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoos at the Casterton training session. Photo: Callum Banks

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the Red-tail Recovery Team and BirdLife Australia I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the volunteers, including all those who reported sightings of Red-tails in the lead up the count, for supporting this annual event. Without volunteer support this event would not be possible.

A special thanks to Evan Roberts for his assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia. This project is supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

'Look to the Skies’ 2020 

This year BirdLife Australia and the South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team held a local ‘Look to the Skies’ monitoring event on Saturday 2 May to try and count as many cockies as possible. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions unfortunately we had to cancel our usual Annual Cocky Count, however it is vital at this time of year to count as many Red-tails as we can and find the location of large flocks so we decided to run a smaller event aimed at locals who live in the Red-tail range in south-east SA and south-west Vic.

Participants searched their own properties and backyards for Red-tails on the day and despite the cold and windy weather we received a good number of sightings. The total number of cockies seen on the day was 748 birds from 18 sighting reports, which is a fantastic effort considering most of the birds counted were on private land. Taking into account sighting reports received in the week before and after the event, as well as several large flocks which were known but weren't counted on the day, the number of birds counted came to 1144. 

Figure 1: Red-tails feeding in stringybark as part of a large flock found in Strathdownie before the event. Photo: Chris Farrell

A large number of birds were found in Ullswater, with landholders Ros and Andrew Bradey counting 450 birds on their property and in the surrounding stringybark reserves!

Red-tails were also found in other areas in Victoria including Benayeo and Meereek. In SA birds were found around Naracoorte, Wild Dog Valley, The Gap, Lucindale and Kalangadoo. Other areas where birds had been seen before and after the event included Strathdownie and Clear Lake.

The majority of birds appeared to be in the northern part of the Red-tail range, especially in the Wimmera region. It is likely the birds are taking advantage of the good seed crop currently available for them in Desert stringybark which occurs in that part of the range. While we won't be able to compare the results of this event to previous years' Annual Counts, the data collected is still important in finding the location of large flocks and determining patterns of habitat use.

The following table provides a breakdown of the results for South Australia and Victoria. 

Table 1: Observations and results of 2020 ‘Look to the Skies’ event by state and region

*although no birds were counted in the Glenelg Hopkins region on the day, a flock of 156 birds had been sighted in Strathdownie before the event

Figure 2: Observations and counts of South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos recorded as part of the 2020 'Look to the Skies' event

There were around 40 people who officially registered for the event but it’s likely that more people took part and kept an eye out for Red-tails on the day but didn’t register. The event was promoted widely in the weeks leading up to it and attracted a good amount of attention especially on social media. The Recovery Team has recently set up a new Facebook page for our project, you can find us by searching 'South eastern Red tailed Black Cockatoo Recovery Project'.

Acknowledgements

The Recovery Team would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part in the event and reported sightings, and also to those people who helped promote the event. This would not have been possible without the help and support from locals and landholders in the Red-tail's range. We hope that next year we’ll be able to hold our normal Annual Cocky Count again and volunteers will be able to go out and search for our stunning Red-tails!

A special thanks to Evan Roberts and Kerry Gilkes for their assistance with promoting the event and getting local landholders involved on the day.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia and is supported by the South East Natural Resources Management Board, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Annual Count 2019

This year 81 groups totalling 172 volunteers took part in the annual count for the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo across the range on Saturday 4 May.

The weather conditions improved this year with less wind and rain than the previous few years, which meant that the calls of the cockies were able to be heard more easily. After several years of lower count results it is pleasing to report that the number of birds counted increased considerably this year.

After taking into consideration double counts the final tally stands at 1193 birds, which is substantially higher than last year’s total of 839 birds. Additional sightings either side of the count were also incorporated into the total including a flock of 200 birds, the largest sighting recorded in the count.

The number of sightings reported by volunteers this year was 43, which is slightly less than last year's total of 45.

Figure 1: A flock of South-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoos observed on count day landing in trees. Photo: Kristen Capewell

The distribution of sightings was fairly widespread, with birds again recorded as far north as McCallum (40km NE of Keith). 

There was good weather on the day across most of the range meaning it would have been easier to both see and hear the Red-tails, which may have contributed to the higher number of birds counted this year.

The information gathered during the annual count is crucial to determine patterns of habitat use, the minimum number of birds in the population and most importantly, the location of large flocks. Flock sizes this year were larger than they have been in previous years, with seven large flocks (greater than 80 birds) recorded.

This year, large flocks were found near Edenhope, Penola, Rennick, Dry Creek, Wandilo and Kanawinka. Other sightings were made near Goroke, Harrow, Coonawarra, Dergholm, Nangwarry, Casterton, Nelson, Lucindale, Millicent, Tooan and Frances.

The table below provides a breakdown of the results for South Australia and Victoria. This year the number of Red-tails and sightings observed in Victoria (799 birds and 18 sightings/flocks excluding double counts) was greater than that seen in South Australia (394 birds and 10 sightings/flocks excluding double counts).

Twenty-five groups observed Red-tails either on count day or within a few days of the count.

Table 1: Observations and Results of 2019 annual count by state and region 

*some volunteers surveyed sites in both regions (Glenelg Hopkins and Wimmera) and thus have been included (for reporting purposes) in total numbers participating in each region.

Figure 2: Observations and counts of South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos recorded as part of the 2019 annual count (double counts excluded)

The annual Baileys Rocks campout was again a success, with volunteers gathering on the night to share stories on how many cockies they saw or the flock that got away.

A total of 10 volunteers also attended the Annual Count training session on the morning of the count. This session took place in Rotary Park at Casterton and volunteers learned what the Red-tails sounds like, the tell-tale feeding signs of the birds, and how to identify stringybark from other eucalypt woodland.

Volunteer effort was fantastic, with 81 groups spending over 270 hours searching for the cockatoos across the range. This year we had volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds including farmers who searched their own properties, a great team of locals who regularly take part in the count, and several participants who travelled from as far as Adelaide and Melbourne to help out with the survey.

Figure 3: Tim Burnard teaching volunteers about the South-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoos at the Casterton training session. Photo: Kelsey Bennett

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the Red-tail Recovery Team and BirdLife Australia I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the volunteers, including all those who reported sightings of Red-tails in the lead up the count, for supporting this annual event. Without volunteer support this event would not be possible.

A special thanks to Evan Roberts, Kerry Gilkes and Jeremy Freeman for their assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day, and Tim Burnard for running the training session in Casterton and organising the campsite at Baileys Rocks.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia and is supported by the South East Natural Resources Management Board, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Annual Count 2018

This year 89 groups totalling 179 volunteers took part in the annual count for the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo across the range on Saturday 5 May.

Despite the huge search effort, which saw over 3600kms of stringybark forest tracks covered, our cockies proved once again elusive with less than a third of our counters locating Red-tails on the day.

After taking into consideration double counts and two additional sightings of Red-tails recorded on days either side of the count the final tally stands at 839 birds - which is slightly more than the 810 birds recorded last year.

A total of 43 sightings were made on the day, however many of these were double counts of the same birds.

Figure 2: A flock of South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos observed on count day landing in trees near a drinking trough at Dry Creek. Photo: Kristen Capewell.

The distribution of sightings was again widespread with one flock seen as far north as McCallum (40km NE of Keith). Flock sizes were also smaller than usual with only four large flocks (greater than 80 birds) recorded. 

Red-tails are notoriously difficult to find. What makes it more challenging is when flock sizes are small, widespread and located in areas that our counters can’t access, such as private land.

Larger flocks are often noisier and so more likely to be detected than smaller flocks, while birds on private land can be easily missed if not for the support of the landholder.

Weather conditions also play a big part in the number of birds counted on the day. This year we experienced less than ideal conditions (wet and windy) in both the lead up to the count and on the day -  across most parts of the range. Windy conditions make hearing birds difficultand let’s face it - you’re more likely to hear a Red-tail before you see one.

Although total numbers are down, it’s unlikely the population has suffered a mass decline since our biggest count of over 1500 birds back in 2015. It’s more likely that birds were scattered widely across their range and simply missed on the day.

The overall prognosis for the population, however, is far from good. Flock counts, which are undertaken after the annual count and provide our best indication of breeding success, have revealed a disturbing trend with declining numbers of females and juveniles recorded in flocks over time.

Fewer adult females means fewer breeding pairs and thus fewer offspring; fewer juveniles means less birds available to replace present breeding pairs in future.

Unfortunately, the last good breeding event was more than 10 years ago. Breeding success is strongly linked to stringybark food availability, with more successful breeding in years of plentiful food.

Counts of large flocks are currently underway based on the information gained through the annual count. Once completed, this will indicate how well the birds bred last season.

This year, large flocks were found near Rennick, Chetwynd, Wattle Range (west of Penola) and Mumbannar. The biggest of these comprised 135 birds drinking from a trough on private land adjacent Rennick State Forest.

Other sightings were made near Harrow, Goroke, Charam, Wandilo, Dry Creek, Dergholm, Lake Mundi, Heywood, Willalooka, Clear Lake, Lucindale, McCallum and Casterton.

Interestingly, many flocks seen this year were found on private land which is why the widespread efforts of landholders to put feeding habitat back on their properties is so important.

The following table provides a breakdown of the results for South Australia and Victoria. This year the number of Red-tails and sightings observed in Victoria (629 birds and 16 sightings/flocks excluding double counts) was greater than that seen in South Australia (210 birds and 13 sightings/flocks excluding double counts).

Twenty-six groups observed Red-tails on count day; with an additional two groups providing sightings of birds (included in the final tally) either side of count day.

Table 1: Observations and Results of 2018 annual count by state and region

*some volunteers surveyed sites in both regions (Glenelg Hopkins and Wimmera) and thus have been included (for reporting purposes) in total numbers participating in each region.

Figure 3: Observations and counts of South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos recorded as part of 2018 annual count. Double counts excluded

The annual Baileys’ Rocks campout was again well attended with around 30 volunteers braving cold conditions to share results and tales from another long days counting. This year’s biggest counters were Adrienne and Trudy who counted the large flock at Rennick.

This year we had a great mix of new and returning participants comprising local volunteers, farmers who chose to survey their own stringybark patches, and interstate participants many of whom travelled long distances to take part. Without their incredible effort, this event would not be possible.

Volunteer effort was again outstanding, with volunteers spending approximately 360 hours scouring more than 3,600 km of stringybark forest in search of Red-tails.

Figure 4: Volunteers attending the Baileys Rocks BBQ and Campout. Photo: Tim Burnard.

Acknowledgements:

On behalf of the Red-tail Recovery Team and BirdLife Australia I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the volunteers, including all those who reported sightings of Red-tails in the lead up the count, for supporting this annual event. Without volunteer support this event would not be possible.

A special thanks to Evan Roberts, Felicity Lord and Kerry Gilkes for their assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day and Tim Burnard for running the training session in Casterton and organising the campsite at Baileys Rocks.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia and is supported by Natural Resources South East, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Annual Count 2017

 Male SERTBC photographed on count day - Image Luke Leddy

This year 84 groups totalling 172 volunteers took part in the annual count for the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo across the range on Saturday 6 May.

Although 154 sites were searched, the birds proved elusive.  The result? 810 Red-tails counted across south-western Victoria and the South East of South Australia.

With flocks widely dispersed and considerably smaller than last year, the windy conditions made finding the birds even more difficult.

The occurrence of smaller flocks this year may also be partly to blame for the fewer Red-tails counted.

Red-tails are often very difficult to find at the best of times, especially given their rarity and widespread distribution, from Natimuk and Keith south to Nelson and Mount Gambier.

Although the number of cockies counted this year is lower than last year, it is unlikely that the population has suffered a significant decline over the last 12 months.  It is more likely the birds were simply missed on the day.

This year Red-tails were seen near Casterton, Goroke, Edenhope, Harrow, Dergholm, Nelson, Lucindale, Frances, Coonawarra, Nangwarry, Heywood, Wattle Range, Naracoorte and Tarpeena. Only one flock of more than 100 birds was recorded, east of Edenhope.

Female SERTBC perched in stringybark on count day - Image Kristen Capewell

Information gathered during the annual count is used to determine patterns of habitat use, a minimum number of birds and, most importantly, the locations of large flocks.

Flock counts are carried out in the weeks following the annual count as they provide the best indication of breeding success.

These subsequent counts are proving difficult as the Recovery Team relies on finding the large flocks to count as they come in to drink in the evening, but with water still lying across the landscape, finding the birds’ drinking spots is proving quite a challenge.

The following table provides a breakdown of the results for South Australia and Victoria. This year the number of birds and RTBC sightings observed in Victoria (660 birds and 17  sightings/flocks excluding double counts) was greater than that seen in South Australia (150 birds and 9 sightings/flocks excluding double counts).

Eighteen survey groups observed RTBCs on count day; with an additional four groups providing sightings of birds (included in the final tally) either side of count day.

Table 1: Observations and results of 2017 Annual Count by State.

There was yet another wonderful turnout of volunteers to help on the day comprising locals, farmers who chose to survey their own stringybark patches, and interstate participants who travelled from as far away as Adelaide and Melbourne.

Volunteer effort was again outstanding, with volunteers spending over 340 hours scouring more than 3,500 km of stringybark forest in search of Red-tails.

The annual Baileys Rocks Campout was again a big success, with more than 30 cocky counters gathering to catch up on who saw how many cockies where.

Counters attending Baileys Rocks Campout - Image Tim Burnard

RTBC Annual Count App

The CyberTracker RTBC Annual Count App was again trialled by 9 people to improve data handling and accuracy.  It again received mixed reviews, but was found to be very useful for detailing the exact route taken on the day. The Recovery Team will be looking to take on board people’s feedback and suggested improvements in readiness for next year’s count.

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the Red-tail Recovery Team and BirdLife Australia I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the volunteers, including all those who reported sightings of Red-tails in the lead up the count, for supporting this annual event. Without volunteer support this event would not be possible.

A special thanks to Evan Roberts for his assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day, Bronwyn Perryman for her support and knowledge and Tim Burnard for running the training session in Casterton and organising the campsite at Baileys Rocks.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia and is supported by Natural Resources South East, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

**Please note - A map of results will be prepared and uploaded soon.**

Article prepared by Kerry Gilkes

Annual Count 2016

A flock of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos near Casterton. Photo Credit Mike Sverns

More than 150 volunteers helped celebrate 20 years of counting cockies as part of this year’s annual count for the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, which was held last month on Saturday 7 May.

Despite a record number of 52 sightings recorded on the day, the total number of cockatoos counted was considerably lower than last year’s total.

After taking into consideration double counts of cockatoos and three additional sightings of Red-tails recorded either side of count day the final tally stands at 901 birds, well down on last year’s record of 1545 birds.

Flocks were widely dispersed and considerably smaller this year, with only six large flocks of more than 80 birds recorded. Of these large flocks, three were determined to be double counts, and could not be included in the final tally.

The distribution and high occurrence of smaller flocks over a wide area may be partly to blame for the fewer Red-tails counted this year.

Red-tails are often very difficult to find, especially given their rarity and widespread distribution — spanning over 18,000km2 from Natimuk to Nelson in south-western Victoria and Mount Gambier to Keith in the South East of South Australia.

Although total numbers are down, it is unlikely that the population has suffered a rapid decline over the last 12 months; it’s more likely that birds were simply missed on the day.

This year counters found Red-tails near Casterton, Frances, Millicent, Naracoorte, Wilkin, Mt-Arapiles, Little Desert National Park, Miga Lake, Hotspur, Harrow and Cobboboonee.

The greatest concentrations of Red-tails (just over 60 per cent of all birds recorded) were found west of Casterton. It’s no surprise, then, that the biggest flocks recorded on the day — 334 birds drinking at a trough on the western boundary of Drajurk State Forest and 180 feeding near Cawker Creek — were found in this area.

The annual flock counts, which follow in the weeks after the count, have now revealed more than 700 birds currently feeding and residing in the Casterton area. Richard Hill and Tim Burnard were fortunate enough to count a staggering 501 birds come into drink at puddles in wheel ruts in Nangeela State Forest earlier this week.

Good numbers of Red-tails were also observed near Frances on the day, with follow-up surveys, thanks to Evan Roberts, revealing a total count of 136 birds for this area.

As always, information gained from the annual count is used to determine patterns of habitat use, a minimum number of birds and — most importantly — the location of large flocks. This information is essential for staff to carry out flock counts (counts of males vs barred birds - females and juveniles), which provide the best indication of breeding success.
 
Findings from this year’s flock counts will be available later in the month.

The annual count also helps to raise awareness of the needs of the cockatoo and offers volunteers a chance to become involved in recovery activities.

There was yet another wonderful turnout of volunteers to help on the day comprising locals, farmers who chose to survey their own stringybark patches, and interstate participants who travelled from as far away as Adelaide and Melbourne.

Volunteer effort was again outstanding, with 77 groups spending over 360 hours scouring more than 4,000 km of stringybark forest for the cockatoos across the range.

The annual Baileys Rocks Campout was again a big success with 24 people braving the wintery conditions to top off a big day of counting. Those attending were rewarded with a delicious cake thanks to Kerry Gilkes to celebrate 20 years of counting cockies.

Above: Volunteers attending the Baileys Rocks Campout (credit Tim Burnard). Below: Volunteers were treated to a delicious cake thanks to Kerry Gilkes (credit Kerry Gilkes).

BirdLife Australia and the Red-tail Recovery Team would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful volunteer observers involved on the day, including those that reported sightings in the lead up to the count. Without your incredible effort, this event would not be possible.

Also, thank you to those volunteers who offered to trial our first ever annual count smartphone app. The app sequence developed to improve data handling and accuracy, received mixed reviews, but was found to be very useful for detailing the exact route taken on the day. The Recovery Team will be looking to take on board people’s feedback and suggested improvements in readiness for next year’s count.

Finally, a special thanks to Evan Roberts and Kerry Gilkes for their assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day and Tim Burnard for running the training session in Casterton and organising the campsite at Baileys Rocks.

The SERTBC Recovery Program is managed by BirdLife Australia and is supported by Natural Resources South East, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Sightings and counts of South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos recorded as part of 2016 annual count - note double counts excluded.

Annual Count 2015

More than 135 volunteers participating in the range-wide search for the endangered SERTBC have helped to locate over 1500 birds in stringybark country across the South-east of South Australia and South-West Victoria.

The count, which was held on Saturday 2 May, has proved to be a big success with 38 sightings of birds and eight large flocks ranging in size between 75-349 individuals located. In total 1545 birds were counted which is seventy seven more birds than our previous best tally of 1468 recorded back in 2012.

The result is particularly pleasing given the lower number of birds recorded in the two years previous. This confirms our suspicions about birds being missed in previous counts, rather than the population suffering a rapid decline.
 
Although the number of birds recorded is the best yet it should not be interpreted as a population increase. The critically small population is believed to be still in decline based on the ongoing loss and deterioration of the species’ key habitats.

This year the birds were again dispersed widely, with sightings from as far north as Mt Charles in South Australia to Rennick State Forest in the far south-west of Victoria.

By far the greatest concentrations (over 67%) of Red-tails were found in the southern part of the range, with large flocks found near Rennick, Comaum, Nangwarry, Digby and Roseneath State Forest. As in 2012, many of the larger flocks were recorded coming in to drink at farm troughs, making for accurate counting.

The largest flock encountered this year, totalling a staggering 349 birds, was found coming in to drink on private property to the east of Rennick State Forest in the days following the count.

The most birds counted on the day (Saturday 2 May) went to the Lord Family, who counted a whopping 272 birds over the course of the day.

Over 70% of the birds found on the day were recorded in or adjacent to tracts of Brown Stringybark forest. An abundance of Red-tails in a particular area generally coincides with the fruiting patterns of the stringybark. Based on this knowledge, it would appear that the Brown Stringybark is carrying the most recent seed crop.

Several mid to large sized flocks were also encountered in the northern parts of the range. Of particular interest were the 100 birds feeding in Mt-Arapiles – Tooan State Park around 20kms south-west of Natimuk. Although the park is within the cockatoo’s range the birds are not commonly recorded in this area.

Other areas in which Red-tails were recorded include Meereek State Forest, Yallakar State Forest, Clear Lake, Frances, Powers Creek, Penola West, Naracoorte Ranges and Lucindale.

Again, there was an absence of birds recorded around Casterton (where two years ago 233 birds were recorded) and around Lower Glenelg National Park. Both areas have, in more recent years, been largely affected by fire.

The success of this years’ count has been attributed to the large number of pre-count sightings and information received in the weeks leading up to the count. In particular, information with regard to drinking sites has enabled team members and volunteers to be strategically placed at watering points where birds have been recently seen drinking.

In addition, the weather conditions on the day where in general far more conducive to searching for Red-tails than last year.
 
Information gained from the annual count is used to determine patterns of habitat use, the minimum number of birds and most importantly the number and location of large flocks. This information is critical for project staff to be able to carry out annual flock counts (counts of males vs barred birds - females and juveniles), which provide the best and only indication of breeding success.
 
The annual count also helps to raise awareness of the needs of the cockatoo and offers volunteers a chance to become involved in recovery activities.

Volunteer effort was again outstanding with 69 groups spending over 275 hours scouring more than 2,800 kms of stringybark forest for the cockatoos across the range.

The annual Bailey’s Rock Dinner and Campout was again a success with around 25 volunteers attending the night. As usual there was a good amount of bragging and banter about who saw the most birds, plus some informative talks from Tim and Richard about Red-tails.

On behalf of BirdLife Australia and the Red-tail Recovery Team I would like to congratulate and express my sincere thanks to all the wonderful volunteer observers, including those that reported sightings in the lead up to the count.

I’d also like to say a special thanks to Evan Roberts, Felicity Lord, Ros Bradey and Kerry Gilkes for their assistance with promoting the count and getting local landholders involved on the day and Tim Burnard for running the training session in Casterton and organising the campsite at Baileys Rocks.