WATCH OUT: Motorists have been warned to watch out for black cockatoos which are drinking and feeding on roadsides, leading to vehicle strikes . Picture: Leighton De BarrosDRIVERS have been warned to watch out for black cockatoos, after 13 have been killed by passing vehicles near the South Coast Highway in recent weeks.
The deaths of the endangered birds prompted a warning to motorists in the area from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
DEC south coast regional ecologist Sarah Comer said at least six black cockatoos had been killed on a 20km stretch of the South Coast Highway in the past few weeks in the vicinity of Cheyne Beach Road to Wellstead.
Another six have been killed in the Stirling Range National Park while a carnaby’s cockatoo was also hit by a car and killed in a built up area in Albany in a school zone recently.
“At this time of year after the first rains black cockatoos congregate by the side of the road and they often are not quick enough to get out of the way of passing vehicles,” Ms Comer said.
“They are known to feed on spilled grain seeds that have just germinated and on woodchips which can fall from trucks.
“We ask that truck drivers ensure their loads are secure to minimise grain being leaked on to roads and that motorists slow down safely when they see black cockatoos on the road to give them time to move away.”
“We know that many more black cockatoos are hit by vehicles and never reported to the department so the real number is likely to be significantly higher."
Sick, injured or dead black cockatoos can be reported to the nearest DEC office or the Wildcare Helpline by calling 9474 9055.