Cockatoos enjoy summer drink at new water troughs

Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos at Mary Carroll Park in Gosnells have been spotted taking advantage of fresh water during the summer heat thanks to a new water trough installed by the City of Gosnells.

The waterer offers a reliable fresh water source elevated off the ground, out of reach of most predators, people and vehicles, even when the wetland dries up each summer.

Mayor Terresa Lynes said three species of threatened black cockatoos are found in the City of Gosnells – the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Baudin’s Black Cockatoo and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo.

“The Friends of Mary Carroll Wetland have reported sightings of black cockatoos foraging at this renowned wetland throughout the summer,” Mayor Lynes said.

“By adding the waterer, we’re providing crucial support to these special birds year round. These birds are significant to our community and the local environment.”

“The City of Gosnells is home to extensive areas of natural bushland and biodiversity hotspots. As climate change continues and pressures on bird populations rise, initiatives like this are even more valuable in supporting our local wildlife.”

The City’s first waterer was installed at Mills Park in 2022, followed by the installation at Mary Carroll Park last year. Another trough will be installed at William Lane Reserve shortly.

In addition to the waterers, artificial nesting hollows, known as cockatubes, have been placed in three conservation areas across the City including Huntingdale.

The City also supports black cockatoos by managing invasive species and planting trees suitable for cockatoo foraging, roosting and nesting. In 2024 alone, more than 12,500 trees were planted, including nearly 1,000 marri trees.

Private landowners are encouraged to create habitat for black cockatoos, especially through the City’s annual Plants for Locals event, which provides free native plants to residents.

“We want to encourage local residents to join us to help protect black cockatoos by maintaining large, established trees on their properties, growing native plants in their gardens, caring for street trees on their verges, or even by sponsoring a tree in the City’s Community Forest,” Mayor Lynes said.