23 Aug, 2024

Net Result: Possible Solution for Bird Problem

Trees within one of Adelaide’s busiest hospitality precincts will be netted in a bid to deter thousands of migratory birds from descending on outdoor dining venues.

The City of Adelaide has decided to implement the pilot in Leigh Street after spending months exploring options to control the tree martins, which migrate annually to South Australia from the Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Director of City Services Tom McCready said an estimated 10,000 birds were regularly roosting within the semi-mature callery pear trees from dusk between January and May, depositing large amounts of droppings which presented a serious risk to public hygiene.

“It’s reached the point where we need to do something,” he said. “After looking at other measures including removing the trees and sonar technology to deter the birds, we have decided to see if netting will divert them to another location in the city.”

Mr McCready said various steps already had been taken in a bid to reduce the impact the tree martins were having on Leigh Street, particularly dining venues with outdoor seating.

“Our Cleansing Team has been cleaning the street three times a day during the migration season because of the amount of droppings being generated,” he said. “This has included pressure blasting and detailed scrubbing of the pavement and other urban elements.

“We have reduced the tree canopy through pruning to try to minimise the range of the birds on the street and keep them away from buildings. We also have supported the installation of awnings on private property with outdoor dining through the planning process.

“While these actions have been helpful, they have not proven successful in mitigating the problems which the tree martins are continually causing with their droppings.

“As a result, the City of Adelaide has been working with Leigh Street business and property owners, Green Adelaide and the Department for Environment and Water to determine appropriate next steps.

“We are now initiating a pilot program to net the trees to divert the birds to roost in another, less busy location.”

Mr McCready said specialist contractors would install the black netting on Saturday, August 24, and Saturday August 31.

The behaviour and welfare of the tree martins will be monitored throughout the netting trial. It is believed the birds seek refuge in Leigh Street from peregrine falcons and other birds of prey while returning from feeding grounds north of Adelaide.

Colin James