Gang-gang census needs your help

Posted by MichaelMulvaney

 11 Aug 2021

Stacey Taylor from the ANU and ACT Government is seeking support to undertake surveys on Gang-gang Cockatoos in the ACT. Gang-gangs have been nominated for listing as Endangered with the Australian Government and it is possible that the forested areas in our region are critical to the long-term survival of this species.

 

ACT community members have been collecting valuable information about Gang-gangs breeding in the ACT’s urban areas for several years but there is otherwise very little known about this iconic bird. Stacey is hoping that with community support, we can better understand the occupancy and habitat requirements of Gang-gangs across the ACT.

 

Dates: 18th September, 25 September and the 2nd October

Location: urban/peri urban and Namadgi NP (100 site locations yet to be determined)

What participants can expect:


  • Participants will be asked to select a small group of sites to survey at predetermined times within the urban area or Namadgi NP.

  • Sites will be surveyed at the same time, up to two times each survey date (one morning and one late afternoon survey round).

  • Participants will be asked to spend either 5 or 10 minutes recording the presence of Gang-gang Cockatoos and other conspicuous parrots electronically or on paper forms at each site.

  • It is likely that participants will spend a total of 2-3 hours of their time (depending on travel time) if they choose one group of sites in one day. For those who are happy to commit more of their time, it will be possible to survey one group of sites in the morning and another group in the late afternoon on each of the three dates above.


  •  

    Additional details will be provided to those who register their interest via this eventbrite link (Registrations via this link will close on Friday August 27th)

     

    https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/help-us-help-our-gang-gang-cockatoos-tickets-166725003975

     

    This link is to register your interest only - please don’t worry if your circumstances change and you can no longer volunteer on the date selected. Those who register will later be provided with a link to a webpage where they can see the location of site groups and commit to surveying one or several.

    5 comments

    Colinwalters wrote:
       22 Aug 2021
    Gang gangs aren’t rare in this part of Canberra. They can be seen or more likely heard on most days in Griffith Park, high up in the eucalypts usually.
       22 Aug 2021
    Yes Colin - but are you seeing he same birds all the time and what actually is ACT's Gang-gang population? help answer these questions by taking part in the census
    Shell wrote:
       2 Sep 2021
    Gang gangs visit our house almost on a daily basis and we have named them and can recognise them from their looks and behaviour/personality traits. Many climb on our head/shoulders /arms etc and many like to be hand fed. We feel blessed that these guys care to come to us! During the course of last 2 years , they have brought their fledglings as well and we have about 6-8 such young ones coming to us. They like to be in groups but couples will fly in by themselves too. There is an age based hierarchy usually. Men (males) will look out for danger and ensure the mate is having enough by scaring other contenders for seeds. This is however not always seen. Children are curious as always and their little stunts will make you laugh. Oh there is a lot more!
    LyndalT wrote:
       12 Sep 2021
    This has been postponed and I can't register on Eventbrite but if lock down lifts I would like to be included please. We get them here in Greenleigh in spring
    Bubbles wrote:
       30 Sep 2021
    Hi Michael, due to my very old phone I am not currently able to download the Canberra Nature Map, but I have some photos from Aranda bushland today where I observed both a male and female gang-gang eating, and sticking their heads into a hollow. If you would like these photos and site location, what is the best way to contact you? Cheers

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