Up close with a Gang-gang Cockatoo drinking - Wentworth Falls Australia

This up-close view of a Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) was captured in February 2024 in the Blue Mountains town of Wentworth Falls (NSW, Australia). It was an overcast summer evening punctuated by thunder. Around five Gang-gang Cockatoos were in the area, flying between large pine trees and calling. At this point the best we could hope for was a distant shot amongst foliage. But while one of us was setting up the camera, one Gang-gang swooped down to this bird bath nestled in a cottage garden...and within easy reach of our camera’s gaze! Nonetheless, swift action was required to swing the lens away from the trees. What you can see here is pretty much the entire drinking session.
It’s always a thrill to encounter such an iconic bird of the Blue Mountains, let alone film them. While this small cockatoo is declining throughout its range in south-eastern Australia - indeed, the species is now listed as Endangered federally - there are semi-regular sightings throughout the Blue Mountains (especially upper mountains), depending upon seasonal movements and breeding activity (typically Oct -Jan). Given their conservation status, it’s particularly pleasing to see young Gang-gangs in late summer. Evidence of some success! This individual is almost certainly a young female. Note the grey head (like an adult female) but also a rudimentary - that is, shorter and less curved or twisted - crest. What a charismatic cutie!
To see adult males and females please check out our earlier video • Aussie bush icons - Ga... showing foraging (for acacia seeds) in the Capertee Valley. And here • Up close with Gang-gan... you can find an immature male relishing the seeds of the Conesticks plant in a natural heath setting on the Kings Tableland (within walking distance of the garden shown above). For more information on glorious Gang-gangs and how you can help them, please visit birdlife.org.a....
Credits: Filmed by Darren Broughton. Text by Thalia Broughton.

[@NeedsMoreBirds]

Gang gangs are so cute.

[@missapippin9020]

Beautiful birds