Squawky Hollow

Image source Shire of Mundaring

Artist: Leigh Shersby

Asset Type: Sculpture

Year of Work: 2024

Location: Bendigo Community Bank Mundaring

Provenance: Shire of Mundaring

Description: In the southwest of Western Australia there are three species of threatened black cockatoos: Baudin’s cockatoo (Zanda baudinii), Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) and forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso). Squawky Hollow portrays a forest red-tailed black cockatoo family and reveals feathers emerging from the tree trunk to symbolise the consequential and imperative relationship these birds have with the eucalyptus tree. A birds wings provide flight and transit, the eucalyptus tree provides a food source and shelter for nesting….survival and well-being!

These majestic birds nest in the natural hollows of mature Eucalyptus trees which take more than 120 years to develop hollows that are of a suitable size.When bushfires and tree clearing decimate the natural habitat of the land these birds lose vital food sources and mature tree havens which are essential to facilitate breeding, nesting and population growth.

For these vulnerable and threatened bird species to rise out of the ashes they need our attention, consideration and help.The Black Cockatoos are the spirit of our sky and forests and their future is in our hands if we dare to care enough to make a difference to ensure their survival in an ever changing and challenging environment.