THE COUNCIL is to paint the rest of the mesh on Bournemouth's aviary black after a successful trial period concluded black paint “does help people see the birds”.
Residents and visitors to the Lower Gardens in the town centre have all been saying the same thing – they cannot see the birds in their new home, the Cooper-Thompson Rescue Aviary.
In May, BCP Council unveiled a new home for the 200 tropical birds, but people were quick to criticise the £400,000 home.
Read more: Bournemouth aviary criticised as you can't see the birds
Some people described it as a “waste of public money” because they cannot see inside.
Another visitor said: “You can hear them but you can’t see them.
“I don’t really know why there is so much wire in the way.”
A disappointed passerby said: “I can see if I go right up to the bars but it’s not exactly an easy viewing experience.
"Painting it black isn't going to work. Maybe they should try painting the birds luminous pink instead.”
Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, had a different view, saying: “You can see inside the aviary with the black wiring. The idea is that the Parks Foundation will see how it works.
“You can see the birds through the silver wiring; but if you are standing five metres away it isn’t as clear.”
Read more: Letter: 'Very disappointed by new aviary in Bournemouth'
A BCP spokesperson confirmed the council will paint the rest of the mesh black after a trail period which “improved viewing visibility,” adding it is thought the black mesh “does help people see the birds”.
The spokesperson added: “Signage is being added to the outside of the aviary to advise visitors of these measures and how best to view the birds.
“Other options for increasing visibility could include measures such as the installation of directional lighting.
“All options need to be safe for the birds, able to withstand the birds pecking at them and be consistent with the design guidance in the planning conditions. These options and associated costs are being considered.
“We hope any new measures introduced will continue to make the aviary a great experience for visitors and also a safe place for our birds to live.”
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