BIBY TV's video: Aussie bush icons Gang-gang Cockatoo and Acacias

These up-close scenes of Gang-gang Cockatoos (Callocephalon fimbriatum) were captured between early November 2020 and early January 2021 in the Capertee Valley (NSW). Each encounter was alongside a fire trail that winds through woodland and open forest on the slopes of a private conservation property adjoining Wollemi National Park. Those treed slopes are revealed in the final scene (shot before sunset in mid December 2020), which includes the distant call of a Gang-gang Cockatoo. (A clearer recording of their distinct voice can be found at the 0.38 mark.) The acacia blossoms were filmed at the same site in August 2020. This stunning location was a fitting stage for a bird whose scientific name translates to "beautiful fringed head". In 2018-2019, Gang-gang Cockatoos (aka Gang-gangs) were largely elusive on our valley visits. Only the odd glimpse of a flyover or a brief stop high in a tree. But in late June 2020 we were thrilled to see a pair foraging in the eucalypt canopy next to the aforementioned fire trail. During another winter trip and again in early spring we noted their calls in less accessible parts of the back slopes, generally the same area and time of day (within the last hour or so of daylight), and on successive days. Then in early November came the delightful sight of three Gang-gangs feeding on the fresh (green) seed of low acacia (aka wattle) bushes. At first glance the heads of the males look like waratah flowers amidst the greenery. Luckily camera proximity compensated for the fading light. (On all filming occasions they seemed to be quite unperturbed.) The following day was “Groundhog day”, or should that be “Gang-gang day” as they return to a particular tree (or shrub) until the food is exhausted (HANZAB). In mid December 2020 a Gang-gang gang of five was observed briefly around the same location. Given the species usually spends summer in higher, cooler and wetter eucalypt forests (e.g. upper Blue Mountains), we expected this to be the last encounter for a while. Yet in early January 2021, again we found a pair feeding next to the fire trail (but this time, on the dry seed of a different species of acacia). Although altitudinal movements can vary in different areas and amongst individuals, could it be that a relatively wet and mild early summer encouraged them to linger? Certainly made us linger! What a relief after the extreme heat and threatening fire of the previous spring and summer. Drought-breaking rains that started in February 2020 may have contributed to great year for acacias; the late winter-early spring peak was the best display of blossoms we have seen at this property. Moreover, conservation efforts have ensured a mix of acacia species with both overlapping and different flowering times, and hence long periods of seed availability. While the recent Gang-gang pair was relishing mature seeds, another type of wattle was in full flower. Acacias truly are the gift that keeps on giving. Their pollen is food for insects (and thus a boon for insectivores) and their seeds are consumed by various birds and other wildlife. Acacias also improve soil nitrogen and sprout quickly after fire, providing much-needed protection for surviving animals. And of course, their beauty and ubiquity inspired the floral emblem of Australia and the sporting colours of green and gold. Gang-gang Cockatoos also have a special place as one of Australia’s favourite birds and the faunal emblem for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). For further information on gorgeous Gang-gangs go to https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Callocephalon-fimbriatum and https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10975. You can also see and read more about them at our previous production: https://youtu.be/D522dwKREmw. This 2017 report https://bmnature.info/docs/flora-fauna/gbmwha-birds-checklist-version-3.pdf on the fauna of the Greater Blue Mountains discusses the unfortunate decline of Gang-gangs in the Blue Mountains on page 28. And here https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/wattle-wonderful-world/9437096 is a lovely story about wattles by plant expert and contributor to BIBY TY, Angus Stewart.