Yellow-tailed black cockatoo

I first encountered the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo on Dharug Country, in The Blue Mountains, NSW.

Prior to a 22km hike, I sat down for a private Acknowledgement Of Country, to thank the Dharug and pay respect to their elders. And also, to set the intention to respect and care for the land whilst I was there, making the promise to pick up any rubbish I see on the hike.

The Cockatoos had already flown overhead a few times. With their slow rhythmic flight, prehistoric sounding call and striking tail feathers, I had been immediately drawn to them. I couldn't wait to get a better look, hopefully up-close in the lens.

As I hiked, they seemed to elude me around every bend. Taking off before I could get a look. At about the halfway point I stopped at a waterfall. Someone had left a towel behind, and it looked like it had been there a while. I'd promised to take any rubbish, but did I want to carry this big, wet, stinky, dirty mess for the next 10km? I was hesitant, and reluctant, but I did it. I would stay true to my word.

The Cockatoos evaded me for the rest of the day, and whilst being a tad disappointed, I felt good about the pieces of rubbish I'd collected. I followed the final stretch of trail back to the car park, and on near the last step of the entire hike, I looked down to see something in the middle of the path. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a feather, from the Black Cockatoo. No ordinary feather - the prized yellow tail feather. I picked it up, awe-struck. It was a work of art. Yellow with flecks of black, like it had been painted.

It was a gift. I felt it in my whole body. Its message: "If you care for country, country will care for you". It spoke not to my rational mind - that voice that says "what a coincidence" - but to the nature within me. It was undeniable. 

It was the single most magical and spiritual experience I have ever encountered. My education from the land had truly begun.

And so, the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo represents oneness. It reminds me that I'm connected to it all. I am one with it all. 

What is your relationship like with the land? Do you find time to speak to it, and give thanks? Do you give respect to its Traditional Owners? How do you care for it?

The Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo reminds us of our individual role within a greater system to which we all belong. I see the yellow splodge on its head as our individual marking, within the black feathers of oneness.