Forktree's First Threatened Bird Species

Below is another update from ornithologist and lepidoperist Malcolm Worthing as he completes his survey of Forktree:

“Several new species have been recorded at Forktree during this last spring as part of the Bird & Lepidoptera 2021 survey, one of which was the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus): South Australia's largest cockatoo species. In October, a flock of 11 individuals was recorded perched in a group of Pink Gums (Eucalyptus fasciculosa) located towards the back of the property. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos are threatened in South Australia and listed as vulnerable under the state's National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. This record indicates that this species may use Forktree as part of a vegetation corridor while moving up or down the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“It is likely that the frequency of visits by this threatened species will increase in the future as the planted Hakea species and exceptionally high numbers of Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) seedlings begin to mature at Forktree. This is because these species, along with Banksia species, form a large component of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo diet, and therefore planting additional species such as Banksia marginata will further increase the likelihood of this species making regular visits.”

We are hugely grateful for Malcolm’s expertise and feedback as it helps us monitor the success of our rewilding efforts and plan for the next planting phase.