Sulphur Crested Cockatoos

SULPHUR CRESTED COCKATOOS Cacatua galerita

 

I watched this large group of Cockatoos stripping the bark off the branches of a peppermint gum.

 

I am not sure what they were up to. They had cleared a great deal of several branches as they tore at  the bark before dropping it on the ground. Were they looking for something? I think they sometimes eat insects but usually they feed flowers, bulbs, flowers and seeds. I couldn't see any sign of insects. perhaps they were sharpening their beaks? Perhaps they were just bored and enjoyed the sensation of tearing bark. I have no idea but they certainly left  their mark on the tree and ground beneath.