Floating bird platforms have set sail in Treendale offering birds a place to nest and rest

Living your life in a pond can’t be easy for a swan or a coot, but thanks to some ingenuity, it will now be a bit more comfortable.

The Shire of Harvey has launched additional floating bird platforms into a Treendale pond, offering local water birds a place to rest and nest away from the dangers of the shore.

The shire first installed platforms into the Treendale basin in 2022 after local photographer Chris Tate raised concern after seeing the sorry sight of grebes attempting to build their nest beneath the raging torrent of the water fountain.

Mr Tate said he attempted to have the fountain turned off, but as the circulation of water was needed to prevent algae blooms, it wasn’t possible.

So, working with the shire and Birdlife Bunbury, floating platforms built by the Leschenault Men’s Shed were built and installed in the water.

Mr Tate said it took a bit of time for the birds to become accustomed to the platforms, but they would provide a much safer nesting site for many birds in the future.

Shire president Michelle Campbell said the project had ruffled a few feathers — in a good way.

“We heard a lot of positive feedback on this initiative and requests for more nesting areas from community members,” she said.

“In response, we recently installed an additional three platforms in Treendale’s Aquamarine basin and the shire has been thrilled to hatch this plan with Birdlife Bunbury, the wider community and, of course, our local birds.”

Birdlife Bunbury convenor Diane Cavanagh said she was delighted to see the Shire of Harvey responding to residents’ concerns by adding more platforms.

“Encouraging wildlife to remain in our urban ecosystems can only help increase community awareness of our beautiful wildlife and increase community desire to support initiatives that support native flora and fauna continuing to thrive amongst and around us,” she said.

“These platforms are a great example of how careful thought, planning and endeavour can enable Australian native wildlife to thrive in an urban environment.”