Residents in Melbourne’s south-east are urging their local council to take action against the feeding of feral birds, as the growing pigeon populations are damaging public spaces.
Avian experts warn that illegal feeding encourages the spread of non-native bird species, which not only disrupts local ecosystems but also increases competition for food with native wildlife.
As temperatures rise, Carnegie resident Christopher Tsalikis has been utilising public benches in the area to share meals with his family.
However, Tsalikis claims the bird droppings around the seating areas have become increasingly problematic as pigeon numbers swell.
“You sit on these benches and they’re covered in crap and you think it is a little bit disgusting,” he said.
“You do see families have a bit of food left over… and think it’s normal to throw some food on the floor than chuck their food in the bin.”
“It’s gotten much worse. There are birds that will jump on [the] table … or jump and grab your food straight away,” Tsalikis added.
Source: ABC News.
