Despite the lack of rain, bird life is prolific here at EdgeOfHeaven. As the sun sets we are visited by a wonderful large Western Australian bird called Carnaby's black cockatoo which is endangered. As its habitat is being destroyed, their numbers are falling drastically. It can live for 40-50 years in the wild and displays strong bonds with its partner for life. On their cheeks, they have white patches and on their tails are white bands. Their strong short bills cope well with hard seeds and nuts. The Carnaby's black cockatoos only come to our property at this time of year as they love the gumnuts of our marrie trees which are in flower right now. 
Another visitor, but one which we see all year round is the galah - a pink and grey cockatoo. Both birds are very noisy and at sunset tonight both came visiting. We have a large dam in the front paddock and a small water trough in the back paddock and it is interesting that the birds like to drink out of the water trough. Unlike the black cockatoo, the galah feeds on grasses, herbs, seeds, berries, roots and green shoots. You often see them in the middle of the paddock fossicking around for food. But at sunset they come and sit in a dead tree near where "the boys" are being fed. I am sure they come down to pick the seeds from the oaten hay once the camelids have moved off for the night. Galahs are intelligent and can be excellent pets which may live to 80 years. However in the wild, they live to 30.Last year we had a large flock of Carnably's but this year there is only about 20. I hope we see them again this time next year.
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