New 'Cockitrough' installed in Dwellingup to hydrate native birds

A fresh water drinking trough has been installed in Dwellingup to help keep native birds hydrated including the threatened black cockatoos.

The Cockitrough, designed and supplied by the Town of Victoria Park, provides a permanent water supply for birdlife, more importantly during warm 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. 

The Cockitrough is 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, Deputy Shire President Ange Rogers, and Councillor Stuart Kirkham. PIC: Supplied

Shire President Douglas McLarty said one of the Shire’s key focus areas is ‘Planet’ which means they are working to ensure our natural environment is cared for and appreciated.

“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," he said.

The Cockitrough is located near the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre.