Ever since we moved to Dereel, we have been visited by wild Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. A couple of families live on the property, but others just drop in. This photo is of a bird we call ‘Cheeky’ because he shrieks extremely loudly if we ignore him. Visiting Cockatoos always attract attention when I am running a workshop in the studio. They are part of life here.

That aside, the Cockatoos are so photogenic. I love the way they make eye contact and almost seem to smile. They’re quite happy to pose most of the time. Lately a couple of Cockatoos have taken to sitting on the handrail outside my studio door. They seem as curious about what I am doing in the studio as I am about their lives.

Talking to Cockatoos

You may wonder what Cockatoos have to do with art, or with life. For me, they are intricately connected. Each day, I look for them. They lift my spirits. I talk to them, and they listen, putting their heads to the side to take it all in. With my illness, this small interaction makes such a difference. Cockatoos make me laugh, bring me joy, and put me in the frame of mind to create.

Some people find them a nuisance, and I understand why. One Cockatoo we call ‘Destructo’ likes to chew the wood on door frames, deck planks and wooden handrails. He has destroyed many things. Other birds will nip off new growth on tree branches, or dig up grass by the roots. Cheeky gets attention by throwing leaves out of the gutters around the house. They are intelligent birds. They like to be busy. If they are waiting for me to appear, they fill in their time with these actions. Each bird has its own personality and preferences. Mostly, after I’ve interacted with them, they fly off for their own daily adventures. It has become a routine.

Cockatoo Photographs

I try to separate my daily chats with the Cockatoos from my art. However, they do feature in a few photographs I have for sale in the studio. Cheeky’s friend ‘Patience’ features on some of the products I have for sale through Redbubble. I particularly like her on one of the notebooks I have for sale. Also on the framed prints. Her clear-eyed gaze is beautiful. As you might guess, Patience has no problem waiting on the deck for hours. She is not destructive. She just sits.

My days would be so much duller without these beautiful birds. If you love Cockatoos, they feature a little bit on my nature blog Fifteen Acres.

Open Studio

My art studio will be open on 12th and 13th April as part of the Golden Plains Arts Trail. More information here.