The Town of Mosman Park has joined forces with Friends of Mosman Park Bushland and the Mosman Park Men’s Shed to install a unique timber bird hide in the Point Roe area.

The bird hide is the first of its kind in Perth’s western suburbs, installed with the help of grant funding through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction’s Riverbank Program.

Mayor Brett Pollock said the new bird hide aims to educate and encourage people to appreciate the birdlife along the river.

“The Point Roe open space has always been used by birds for foraging, so the bird hide hopes to give river birds a chance to enjoy the natural surrounds away from dogs who roam free in the area,” said Mayor Pollock.

“It’s been a pleasure to partner with the Men’s Shed, Friends of Mosman Park Bushland and DBCA to bring this wonderful environmental conservation initiative to life. The bird hide is the first of its kind in our area – and in the the western suburbs – which is something we’re pretty proud of.”

The bird hide accommodates at least three birdwatchers who will be able to enjoy the comings and goings of local wildlife.

The hide takes its shape from a covered hut with viewing slots at the front. The back opens up for ventilation and ease of access. The shelter also houses interpretive information for birdwatchers to learn more about these precious water birds.

Within the next few weeks, the Town will be undertaking planting around the bird hide (to further ‘camouflage’ the hide), and along the foreshore. This, and reinstating the fencing, will encourage waterbirds to the site for the community to enjoy.

Similar bird hides across Perth are located in Bibra Lake, Lake Monger, Whiteman Park, Herdsman Lake, Wilson Park and The Spectacles wetlands.