Attracting Carnaby's cockatoos to your garden

Описание: As urban development continues around Australia, the unfortunate side-effect is loss of valuable habitat for our native fauna. But, looking towards our remnant bushland spaces, we may be able to take a number of lessons and queues from successful habitats and biodiverse spaces, and translate them into our own home gardens and public open spaces to further increase the chances for wildlife survival.

Josh looks at how different plants across Perth support WA’s endangered & iconic black cockatoos adapt and survive in suburbia, with the help of University of Western Australia Researcher, Dr Christine Groom. They are visiting Koondoola bushland, an area of protected, remnant Banksia woodland, in the northern Perth suburb of Ballajura, to discuss findings from the research undertaken by Dr Groom on the Carnaby’s Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). These cockatoos are endangred

This is the typical environment Carnaby’s Cockatoos rely on to feed, and they often come here to feed in the morning. Carnaby’s cockatoos are dependent on coastal Banksia woodland, a fragile ecosystem that is under threat by urbanisation on prime coastal real estate. Over 87% of this forest type has been cleared, which puts pressure on this vulnerable species. Banksias provide year-round food for the Carnaby Cockatoo - nectar is taken from the large flowers, seed from inside the many cones, and grubs are extracted from inside the dead wood.

So, what do Carnaby’s need? And how can we plant out our suburban areas/gardens to help them? Dr. Groom shares her 3 tips for home gardeners to help these precious birds on the brink:

Water
Shelter
Supplementary food species through plantings


Plants for Backyards
Dr. Groom says by planting out appropriate food plants, home gardeners can contribute to this feeding resource, and recommends some of the following species for Perth backyards:

Menzies' banksia (Banksia menziesii) - WA native. Tree up to 10 metres in height, long leaves and huge showy flowers at end of branches, outstanding plant for ornamental reasons. Requires well drained soils, full sun.
Candlestick Banksia (Banksia attenuata) - WA native. Tree or shrub up to 10m high, yellow upright candlestick flowers. Well drained soils, sand.
Hakeas and Grevilleas are popular garden plants, and are also present in Koondoola bushland. They’re suitable plants for people wanting to help Carnaby’s Cockatoos without the space for a large tree. Hakeas provide seeds and nectar, grevilleas just nectar.


Street Trees
Street trees and those within open spaces in the Perth suburbs also provide roosting and feeding opportunities for the Carnaby’s Cockatoos, and Dr. Groom has observed the birds making use of the following:

Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora) - While not native to Western Australia, this large, showy tree has proved popular with the cockatoos, who use them as vantage points around water sources, as well as enjoying the nectar. Grows 20 – 35m, and prefers a well-drained soil, sunny position and is drought-tolerant once established
Rose Gum (Eucalyptus grandis) – A tall tree to 40m, handsome bark and extremely straight growing. Develops hollows after around 10 – 15 years, perfect for roosting sites. Highly adaptable to a range of growing conditions
Tipuana (Tipuana tipu) – An exotic tree from South America, this large, quick growing tree is often utilised in street plantings.
Generally grows to a height of 15m, and is used by Carnaby’s Cockatoos who enjoy the winged fruit.

Please Note: Tipuana is invasive in some areas of Australia – consult local guides prior to planting.




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