Passionate Red-tail Volunteers Produce "Cracker of a Count"

“What a Cracker of a Count” – Volunteer Effort Showcases Community Passion for Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos

The results are in for the 30th Annual South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo ‘Cocky Count’, with at least 1,443 endangered birds recorded.

More than 200 dedicated volunteers took part in the landmark survey coordinated by BirdLife Australia on 2 May 2026, demonstrating the strong and growing community commitment to protecting this iconic species, found across south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia.

In total, 101 survey groups (218 volunteers) participated, increasing survey effort with 17 more survey teams compared to previous years. Volunteers collectively covered an impressive 4,438 kilometres of stringybark habitat and contributed more than 485 hours of survey time.

Despite challenging weather conditions—including strong winds, cool temperatures and rain—participants achieved outstanding results. A total of 91 sightings were recorded, with duplicate observations removed to produce the final validated minimum count of 1,443 birds.

Long-time volunteer Chris Farrell described the day as “a cracker of a count,” explaining that the difficult survey conditions made the outcome even more rewarding.

“I’ve been doing the count for around two decades on and off and generally do it by myself. Over that time, I’ve had various areas and have only seen two pairs of red tails.”

This year Chris was joined by 3 enthusiastic team members and was fortunate to locate a large flock.

“All up we had estimated between 80 and 100 birds, though it was very hard to count them. The entire team is looking forward to next year’s count, but as we all know they may not be present every year.”

The Annual Cocky Count plays a vital role in monitoring the species, whose population is estimated to be around 1,500 individuals following extensive habitat loss and ongoing pressures from clearing and climate impacts.

South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos rely on seeds from desert stringybark, brown stringybark and buloke—tree species that produce food in irregular “mast” events. These cycles drive significant yearly variation in food availability, making the birds’ movements unpredictable and reinforcing the importance of coordinated monitoring.

Volunteer stringybark seed crop surveys conducted alongside the count also provide valuable insights into food availability. Higher bird numbers were again observed in areas with higher seed availability, highlighting the critical role protecting existing habitat plays in supporting the species, as well as the revegetation efforts undertaken in partnership with landholders through the Cockies Helping Cockies program and project partners Greening Australia.

Chairman of the South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team, Mark Smith (Zoos SA), thanked participants for their dedication.

“The increase in volunteer numbers and commitment really highlights the strength of the community connection to these birds,” Mr Smith said. “The Annual Count provides a critical minimum population estimate and helps guide follow-up monitoring to assess breeding success and long-term trends. While this year’s count numbers are high the broader outlook for the species remains a concern. The ongoing dedication of volunteers continues to play a crucial role in protecting this much-loved species through monitoring, raising awareness, protecting and restoring habitat”.

BirdLife Australia and the South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team thank all volunteers, landholders and partner organisations who made this year’s count possible. Their ongoing commitment is critical to safeguarding the future of this much-loved species.

For more information on how to participate or submit sightings, visit www.redtail.com.au.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the Wimmera CMA, Glenelg Hopkins CMA and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, members of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

BirdLife Australia media enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au