Overview
Inland NSW has a significant but declining glossy black cockatoo population. Help us conserve this species. Take part in a glossy count in Pilliga Forest, Goonoo National Park and Goobang National Park.
- When
- Pilliga Forest: 10 October 2026, starts at 2pm. Sign up by 5pm, 7 October 2025.
- Goonoo National Park: 17 October 2026, starts at 2pm. Sign up by 5pm, 14 October 2025.
- Goobang National Park: 24 October 2026, starts at 8am. Sign up by 5pm, 23 October 2025.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Medium. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult at all times because the counts take place around water. Short walk (10-20m) from your car to the water point.
- Meeting point
- Volunteers counting in Pilliga Forest and Goonoo National Park will be sent details.
- Goobang National Park volunteers meet at the intersection of Spring Creek fire trail and Renshaw McGirr Way.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, torch, insect repellent, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, clothes for all weather conditions, hat, raincoat, snacks
- Bookings
- Bookings required.
- Please note
Bring binoculars and a note pad. 4WD vehicles will be needed to access some sites.
Inland NSW’s glossy black cockatoo population is concentrated in woodland and forest areas stretching from Parkes to Narrabri.
Come along and volunteer for this coordinated count of the inland glossy in the following areas:
- across the Pilliga Forest, near Baradine
- in Goonoo National Park, near Dubbo
- in Goobang National Park, near Parkes.
You’ll be helping establish the size and extent of the glossy population across these areas. Sit back and count glossy black cockatoos as they come into known watering holes. Enjoy spending time in some of our amazing national parks and state forests. You can choose to volunteer at one or more sites.
If you’ve got some birdwatching experience that’s great, but the glossy is a very distinctive species and easily identified. The only equipment you’ll need to bring are a pair of binoculars and a notepad. We’ll train you to use your binoculars in this context, and about bird ID and methods used before you start on the day.
The program is being delivered by the NSW Government through a partnership between the Saving our Species Program and the Environmental Trust.
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Pilliga National Park in the Country NSW region
Pilliga Forest is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Goonoo National Park in the Country NSW region
- in Goobang National Park in the Country NSW region
Goobang National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
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