trees so that the lizards or feral cats could not gain access to the nesting cavities that way. This pruning work has to be completed with a bush saw as a chain saw could frighten the birds. Ray agreed with John that he would


carry out a trial. As part of this he would also assess the population of Major Mitchell Cockatoos in the local area and make a special note of the youngsters at the end of the next breeding season (1993). The results were very encouraging with an increase in the number of Major Mitchell Cockatoos in the area concerned. Since then Ray has carried out a programme of tinning nesting trees and maintaining them. This is not as straightforward as it sounds. Firstly


he lives near Sydney, several hundred kilometres from the areas concerned, and there are often no proper roads so that the terrain damages his vehicle tyres. The sheaths of metal around the trees have to be covered with camouflage paint so they are not obvious to human predators and the nails re- fixed if necessary. This is particularly important after a dry period as the nails often work loose.


Apart from the tinning and pruning work, Ray also plants camel melons near to breeding trees. These melons are apparently poisonous to human beings, but their seeds are eaten with relish by the cockatoos. The melons were introduced to Australia by Afghans as a food source for their camels, when


As part of this he would also assess the population of Major Mitchell Cockatoos in the local area and make a special note of the youngsters at the end of the next breeding season (1993). The results were very encouraging with an increase in the number of Major Mitchell Cockatoos in the area concerned.


24 BIRD SCENE


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