Work to start on Cornwall Park aviary upgrade

The Cornwall Park aviary upgrade began at the end of January – an improvement of the existing site as set out in the Cornwall Park Reserve Management Plan (RMP) adopted by Council in March 2019.

Within the existing footprint, this will include all-new concrete throughout, replacing the netting around the entire structure, repairing and replacing any damaged structural steel, all new drainage, water stations and bird feeders, and a new “beach” for the red-eared slider turtles to provide a more natural egg laying area.

Just as humans like to stretch out and have a run around, the aviary birds need plenty of space and plants for perching, foraging, flying and (for some) pulling branches apart.

To encourage these natural behaviours, specific varieties of trees and ground cover will be planted, and temporary tree branches will be placed in some enclosures for birds to pull apart.

Enhancements of the bird shelters will include the removal of partial partitions to encourage more free-flight between areas, and construction of additional nesting boxes to encourage breeding.

All work is being done in line with recommendations from Massey University and the Wildbase Trust to ensure the welfare of the birds and turtles is the top priority, this includes only using materials that are non-toxic and approved by suppliers and consultants.

The work  is set to be completed in late March/early April.

30 January 2023

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