A ‘Cockitrough’ has been installed in Dwellingup to provide essential hydration for native birds including threatened black cockatoos.
Shire of Murray Council says the Cockitrough, designed and supplied by the Town of Victoria Park, will play a crucial role in conserving urban ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity across metropolitan and regional areas.
It provides a permanent fresh water supply for birdlife 365 days a year, providing essential relief during dry periods when natural waterways dry up.
“They are a simple, practical, low maintenance and safe solution to supply regular fresh water for native birdlife, designed especially for black cockatoos which regularly roost within forested areas of the Dwellingup townsite,” Council said in a statement.
Designed with a battery-operated irrigation control valve to compensate for use, evaporation and maintaining clean water, there are multiple troughs and wooden perches with a natural surface for birds to land and sharpen their beaks three to four metres above ground to ensure the birds are protected from predators and humans.
Shire President, Douglas McLarty said one of the Shire’s key focus areas is ‘Planet’ which means the organisation is working to ensure the natural environment is cared for and appreciated, through its Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
“We are lucky to share our environment with many significant birds in Murray, including three species of black cockatoos – the Forest red-tailed black cockatoo, Carnaby’s black cockatoo and the Baudin’s black cockatoo. These are just a few of the species who we endeavour to
support within our sustainability efforts,” said President McLarty.
The Cockitrough is located near the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre.
