Frustrating problem impacting Aussie businesses: 'Absolutely disgusting'
One bar owner says people are put off by the smell and mess made by the birds and she's losing business because of it.
A flock of birds is wreaking havoc on some businesses in Perth with locals being turned off by the "rancid" smell and fear of being pooped on.
At least 100 cormorants have moved into a tree alongside a lake in Claisebrook, east of the city, where they've formed many nests, but residents and business owners have had enough.
Owner and manager of the Claisebrook Bar, Linda White, told ABC the birds have nested in the area in the past, however, they have "exploded" in numbers because they have nowhere else to go. Now, she's seeing a drop in business because of it.
"People walking by cover their noses because of the smell," she said. "Even when we've got the doors closed, as soon as you open it, the stench comes in. It is off-putting, especially when people are trying to eat."
Droppings land on people walking by
People often enter her venue just to use the bathroom and clean themselves off after falling victim to the birds' droppings.
One man told the broadcaster he's been "sh*t on" three or four times just by walking past. He now avoids the area entirely when he can.
Linda says the smell is "absolutely disgusting". "I have lost quite a lot of business due to that because people will come and they'll just say, 'I'm not staying here', and they'll walk off," she said.
Council 'taking situation seriously' after several complaints
The City of Perth council told Yahoo News Australia it's received nine complaints since April last year and it's "taking the situation seriously" however not much can be done.
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Cormorants are a native species and are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This means it's an offence to interfere or disturb them or their habitat.
WA Seabird Rescue suggested the cormorants may have been forced to find alternative nesting sites because of habitat loss in the local area — hence the larger number that have appeared.
'Range of measures' in place to lessen impact on residents
The council has already "put a range of measures in place to lessen the impact of nesting season" on residents and businesses, a spokesperson said.
"Since April, more high-pressure cleaning has been scheduled with cleaning tripled from once per week to three times per week," they told Yahoo.
"The City is working with experts from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), WA Sea Bird Rescue and other Local Government Areas to determine appropriate options that might discourage the birds from nesting".
Nests can only be removed from the trees if there are no eggs, fledglings or birds. However, council claims each time they've arranged a contractor to attend the area, all nests were occupied and therefore could not be legally removed.
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