My sister and I spotted a small flock of these stunning birds in the bush behind her house. The gang-gang cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum), native to the coastal regions of southeastern Australia, is easily recognised by its unique call, often likened to a creaky gate. It is the faunal emblem of the Australian Capital Territory.

The loss of older, hollow trees and feeding habitats has caused a significant decline in the birds’ population in recent years. As a result, the gang-gang cockatoo is now classified as vulnerable in New South Wales and is slated for listing as endangered. So we were especially pleased to spot these beauties.