A mystery man has turned one quiet Aussie street into a noisy nightmare, with his bizarre daily ritual before dawn attracting flocks of birds and frustrating exhausted residents.
The ritual has been happening for two years now by the “Burwood Birdman”, and residents in Sydney’s inner-west are fed up.
The hooded man reportedly arrives about 4am each morning, scatters birdseed across a Burwood street, then vanishes.
As the sun rises, dozens of birds descend, creating “absolute mayhem” with constant squawking and bird droppings covering the street.
Locals are fed up, demanding answers
Families living nearby told A Current Affair (ACA) the strange ritual has become a daily nightmare, with some residents regularly losing sleep.
Burwood Council told Yahoo News it is investigating the ongoing complaints alongside police.
“He doesn’t even stay and watch for the birds, he just leaves,” resident Louis said.
“I definitely think this is a malicious act.”
There is now constant bird squawking and droppings in the inner-west suburb. Source: ACA
After two years of the unexplained visits, neighbours have developed their own theories about why the man keeps returning.
“Whether there’s a scorned lover in the building, maybe an ex-girlfriend or something that’s cheated on him, or I think someone’s paying him to do it,” Louis said.
Another resident, Adam, said he had even stayed awake hoping to catch the mystery feeder in the act after growing increasingly frustrated by the early-morning disturbances.
“I’m always tired because I’m always being woken up every single morning. It’s ridiculous,” he said.
Caught in the act
ACA reporter Maggie Raworth tracked down the ‘Birdman’ mid-act as he scattered birdseed across the street.
“The Burwood Birdman… what’s on the menu today?” she asked.
“Do you have any idea the drama you’ve caused for the residents here?
“They can’t sleep, they’re struggling to live in their own homes, surely you do this for a reason?”
However, the man did not respond to questioning.
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Local resident Louis believes it’s a malicious act. Source: ACA
Could authorities step in?
The man ignored Maggie’s questions and walked away.
His identity and actions are yet to be known.
While there’s no blanket ban on feeding wild birds in NSW, continuing to attract large flocks that disturb neighbours could prompt complaints to councils or strata.
This could lead to an investigation into whether a nuisance is being caused.
Council says matter under investigation
Burwood Council told Yahoo News it is aware of the issue and is working with police as authorities investigate the ongoing complaints.
“Council is aware of the issue and can confirm the matter is being investigated by the appropriate authorities,” the spokesperson said.
“Council has worked with police and affected residents.
“We will continue working with police and affected parties to explore lawful options to address the reported behaviour.”
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