This whistling kite nesting tree in Erskine will be removed because of safety concerns.
Camera IconThis whistling kite nesting tree in Erskine will be removed because of safety concerns. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Go fly, kite: residents

Vanessa Schmitt, Mandurah Coastal TimesMandurah Coastal Times

Mandurah City Council sent letters to neighbouring residents, advising them that the tree, on a reserve near Willoughbridge Road, would be removed in response to residents’ concerns about damage incurred by storms last year.

An aboriculturalist assessment found the tree had died six years ago and was no longer suitable for retention.

Neighbouring resident Helene Le Bel said a kite came back a week ago and the tree would probably be removed before it could nest.

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Fauna relocator Allison Dixon said it would be the third nesting tree the kites had lost in the area.

‘Why do we always have to get rid of the trees?’ she asked.

She said Telstra were building an osprey nest in Herron after issues with a nest on a telecommunications pole.

‘If we all work together we can get the perfect outcome,’ Ms Dixon said.

But Mandurah City Council consulted a zoologist about the impact of removing the tree on the kite.

The zoologist said the whistling kite was a widespread species and it was likely to be the most common raptor species in Australia.

The zoologist informed council that there were numerous suitable nesting trees nearby.

‘It is anticipated no ongoing impacts will occur to the individuals affected and no impact to the species with the removal of this nest site will occur,’ acting council chief executive Tony Free said.