Cockatoo portrait

Looking into the eyes of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo always leaves me feeling strangely humbled.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
1/640, f7.1, ISO 640

This wild cockatoo lives in the Dandenong Ranges. It is probably a female as there is some redness in its eye, males have a darker brown eye, but it’s hard to be sure as there is no comparison available and the light was poor. I must have accidentally changed the ISO. 1600 would have been more appropriate to give the image a bit more light and depth of field, though I like the moody darkness of the blurred forest background.

This bird is looking straight into the camera and it’s strange to think that it might have been on the planet for longer than I have. They are intelligent, fun-loving birds that can live for many decades. The oldest cocky is said to have reached 120 while 80 years is considered more usual in captivity. That’s a horribly long time to be in a cage. During the past week a flock of over 50 cockies have been visiting my place and have been very interested in something on the ground. I’m not sure whether they were after invertebrates (the cicadas have been emerging recently), the grass roots or perhaps some capeweed seeds were lurking – it would be great if they were eating them!

I like the way this bird’s feathers are fluffed around its strong bill. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos have their distinctive yellow crests, a yellow wash beneath their wings and a soft yellow cheek patch.

I hope the cockies are back tomorrow, it’s great to watch their crazy flight patterns and hear their raucous calls.

Happy birding

Kim

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