SPECIAL SIGHTING… The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo or Pink Cockatoo is listed as vulnerable to extinction under fed-eral legislation and was sighted in Parkes last year by participants in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
Parkes residents demonstrated their passion for conservation when 112 locals took part in one of the biggest citizen science projects in Australia in October last year.
The residents observed a total of 5,013 individual birds and 86 species across Parkes Shire in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
“Given Parkes’ relatively small population, 112 is a fantastic level of participation,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers. “This high level of participation confirms the passion that many residents have for biodiversity and conservation.”
Michael said so many locals had enthusiasm for learning about the natural environment, particularly the fauna native to the Parkes area.
Consistent with previous years, the most commonly sighted species across Parkes Shire was the Galah, with 574 sightings.
Rounding out the top five were Crested Pigeons (397), House Sparrows (390), Apostlebirds (350) and Australian Magpies (299).
Several species listed as vulnerable to extinction under federal legislation were also sighted across Parkes. They included Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo), Grey-Crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Wood Swallow, Superb Parrot and the Speckled Warbler.
“Participating in citizen science projects is perhaps the easiest way for everyday people to support conservation projects. With urban bird communities constantly changing, the observations and data submitted is extremely valuable,” said Michael.
The 2022 Aussie Backyard Bird Count will take place from 17 – 23 October. If you would like to get involved visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au or download the Aussie Bird Count app on your mobile phone.