February 14, 2023 3.30 pm This story is over 20 months old

“Don’t scare the starlings”: Resident concerned as neighbour brings out noise maker

The birds moved away after the rattling noises began

A Lincoln resident has called for more tolerance after hearing someone attempting to scare the recent murmurations of starlings away from their area.

Over recent weeks massive murmurations of starlings have been seen above the city, including in the Boultham area, prompting many to stop and stare and share pictures and videos.

Murmurations are when hundreds of smaller groups of birds come together in the sky to travel together.

However, not everyone is happy with the tremendous sights, as some have reported issues such as increased amounts of bird droppings on their cars.

It appears some have even taken to drastic measures.

Sue Dowman, from Peel Street, complained to the City of Lincoln Council after a nearby resident began using bird scaring noises in what appears to be an attempt to move on the murmuration elsewhere.

Said Sue: “We are very lucky in Lincoln as, even though we are in a city, we are blessed with wildlife.

“Over the past couple of weeks, along with many others, I have wondered at the spectacular sight of the starlings. Something normally only seen on a TV programme or social media.”

Sue’s car is included in those that the birds have left droppings on. | Image: Sue Dowman

She said the noise could be heard from a number of homes away, and the day after she noticed the starlings avoided the skies above her house.

“This noise – irritating to people  – would be distressing for any form of wildlife, be it avian or mammal in the area, as well as domestic pets.

“I do get that lots of birds will mean lots of poop, but their presence is temporary.

“Nature is good for both our mental and physical health and it makes me very sad that some appear to be intolerant of wildlife, at a time when our actions have drastically reduced their numbers.”

According to the RSPB Starling numbers have dropped by 66% since the 1970s.

The City of Lincoln Council has confirmed the complaint has been logged and will be investigated under its anti-social behaviour policy.


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