I am always very grateful when kind people let me know of a particular bird which they have seen in their vicinity.
If it is possible, I am only too pleased to check it out and try to photograph their bird. The story of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo pictured here would not have been possible if a kind lady hadn’t rang me to tell me about it and where it was located.
Numbers of these Cockatoos have increased greatly over the years in Rockhampton, and particularly in North Rockhampton where large numbers can often be seen by motorists on some of the major streets foraging in the grass or watching from above on the power-lines.
The lady who had contacted me was able to show me where the nest was located but from where we were standing, the angle was not good. The entrance to the nest was high and the opening was almost straight up above me.
I walked back along the footpath but other trees and power lines were in the road. There was no point in crossing the road as the nest entrance was facing towards the back in between the two neighbouring houses.
I thought there might be a slim chance of getting a clear view between the houses so I drove around to the street behind where I was. When I pulled up there, I had a clear view of the nest opening from where I was.
I was able to stay in the car, open the window on the passenger side and wait in that seat with the camera ready.
I didn’t have to wait too long. With all the activity gone from below the tree, the adult cockatoo came up to the opening to have a look around as the illustration shows.
