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Last week I visited a private back garden in a
southern Canberra suburb, where I was astounded to see some 5 or 6 feeding
tables covered in sunflower seeds, with the largest flock of Gang gang Cockatoos
I have ever seen in the ACT. There were more than 20 birds along with much
smaller numbers of Little Corellas, Sulphur-Cresteds, Crimson Rosellas and King
Parrots. The Gang gangs were extremely tame and approachable. Next to the
feeding tables were very large bags of seed.
The elderly resident claimed that birds had been
fed like this for more than 30 years, with up to 43 Gang gangs
observed foraging at once. Other parrots were "chased away".
There were at least four birds in immature plumage,
so one could assume that there are now generations of Gang gang dependent on
foraging at that site.
I made the obvious point (diplomatically, I hope)
that the birds might have some problems when inevitably, they would no
longer be able to be fed in this way. However, I am sure
that nothing will change in the short term.
Whilst the property in question is several km from
Chapman, I now suspect there is a reason why I have never seen a Gang gang
here.
Given the general scarcity of Gang gangs and their
iconic status in the ACT, I think this matter is unfortunate, although I
don't know whether there is anything that could be done about it.
Other opinions?
Cheers,
Bruce
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