Join us and Count a Cocky on April 3

Release Date:

Friday, 11 March 2016

The City of Armadale is encouraging residents to join in a survey and assist with the Great Cocky Count 2016 on Sunday April 3.

The count takes place every April at sunset to record sightings of white-tailed and red-tailed black cockatoos.

Volunteers monitor known roost sites to count the cockatoos as they come into their evening roosts on a single night just before sunset.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said the Western Australian Black Cockatoos are not found anywhere else in the world.

“As the cockatoo’s natural habitats are located all over the southwest of WA there’s sure to be a survey spot near to where you live.

“It’s an easy and fun survey that everyone can join in and help with.

“It only takes around one hour to count the cockatoos as they fly into the trees at your particular site, and you may also learn about their conservation”, said Mayor Zelones.

Over time the statistics collected across the state from the Great Cocky Count will provide a snapshot of the population, quantify changes in numbers and assist with conservation of the endangered species of black cockatoos.

This year Birdlife Australia was unsuccessful in their application for grant funding and the City of Armadale, along with City of Perth and Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and the Department of Parks and Wildlife jumped on board to enable the Great Cocky Count to continue for another year.

For more information about the Great Cocky Count or to find out about a roost site, contact the coordinator on 9387 2251 or email greatcockycount@birdlife.org.au.