Incredible photos of 'usual peak hour traffic' divides Aussies
Images show a flock of the birds scrounging for food in the middle of a street.
Incredible photos showing “peak hour traffic” blocking a rural road have reignited a hot topic among Aussies — highlighting their love-hate relationship with sulphur-crested cockatoos. The series of images show a flock of the birds scrounging for food in the middle of a street in Pine Ridge, NSW, on Wednesday, with a handful of Pink Galahs watching on from a nearby fence.
“Just your usual afternoon traffic…” local woman Jessy posted in a Facebook group dedicated to native birds. “Best kind of ‘traffic’ in my opinion.”
Others were quick to agree, describing the scenes as “wonderful” and “a dream”. However, not everyone appeared to be a fan of the cheeky cockatoos — known for their distinct yellow crest, loud calls and bin antics.
“Farmers' worst nightmare,” one person commented. “Destructive and noisy birds!” another griped. Others pondered if the cockatoos were feasting on spilt grain or seeds.
“They kept doing this when they removed the bush to extend the freeway,” another local claimed. “Sadly lesser humans didn’t slow down or stop so it's lovely to see you did.”
Sad incident speaks to secret life of Australia's native cockatoo
Street's wheelie bin trick to stop annoying cockatoos: 'Will it work?'
Sulphur-crested cockatoo 'a pest around urban areas'
Sulphur-crested cockatoos, scientifically known as Cacatua galerita, are one of more than 60 bird species classified as a pest in Australia due to the damage they cause to ripening sunflower crops, fruit and nut crops, according to NSW’s Department of Primary Industries.
Primarily found along the northern and eastern areas of the country, sulphur-crested cockatoos — which are a protected native species — are also known to be destructive in urban areas.
“The popularity of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo as a caged bird has increased its range, as these birds either escape or are released deliberately in areas where they do not already occur,” according to The Australian Museum.
“The species has become a pest around urban areas, where it uses its powerful bill to destroy timber decking and panelling on houses.”
Late last year, a photo of cockatoos raiding full bins over the Christmas holidays gained attention, with experts explaining the birds were trying to adapt to their changing landscape.
“Development is a major issue,” WIRES rescuer and bird expert Inga Schwaiger told Yahoo News at the time. “They’re losing trees and the tree hollows which take a long time to form in them. Cockatoos nest in tree hollows.”
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
