How do I register to become involved in the annual count for Red-tails?
All volunteers interested in participating in the annual count for the cockatoo are required to register their interest with the Project Coordinator.
The next Annual Cocky Count for the nationally endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo will be held on Saturday 7 May 2022.
There are around 60 sites in stringybark forest to be covered on the day from Keith to Mount Gambier in South Australia and from Little Desert National Park to Nelson in Victoria. Landholders within the Red-tail range are also welcome to survey their own patches of stringybark on the day.
For more information about the count and what's involved on the day please read our 2022 Annual Count Volunteer Information Sheet.
Registrations will continue to be taken up to two weeks before the count; however we highly recommend registering well before to secure your preferred search area. We try our very best to allocate sites according to preference, but unfortunately this is not always possible depending on who has registered prior.
Covid 19 Advice
While participating in the Annual Count, volunteers must follow the state public health advice regarding covid and mitigating covid risk. To ensure the health and safety of all involved, participants are asked to follow these guidelines:
- maintain social distancing when outside of vehicles;
- Wear masks when social distancing is not feasable i.e. when in a vehicle with passengers outside of your usual household;
- Don't share any items such as binoculars, scopes or pens;
- Use personal covid hygiene kit including hand sanitiser;
- Do not take part in the count if you exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms leading up to the day or have reason to self-isolate.
At this stage the training session in Casterton on the morning of the count will still be going ahead with social distancing to be maintained at all times. (Although there is a training video on the website that volunteers can watch if they prefer).
Unfortunately we have decided to cancel the annual Bailey's Rocks campout again this year. We know that many volunteers look forwad to the campout as a way to relax after a busy day of counting cockies and to share stories with others. However, the health and safety of our volunteers must come first and the decision has been made in the best interest of all.
The Volunteer Registration and OHS Form which all volunteers will be required to sign and return before count day, will include information regarding COVID-19.
To register your interest or secure your search area for Saturday 7 May 2022, please contact the Project Coordinator Skye McPherson on 1800 262 062 or email redtail@birdlife.org.au.
Alternatively you can fill in the form below to register your interest.
Next page: Fire Management for Red-tails