SEVERAL colonies of birds which include cattle egret, little egret, African sacred ibis, reed cormorant, grey headed heron and black headed heron have made their homes in a row of trees behind businesses in Van der Riet Street, but not everyone likes the visitors.
The birds, and their nests, have caused a stir among business owners who are divided on how they feel the birds affect them and their businesses.
On the one hand the birds and overgrown trees cause a mess and have negatively affected the premises of the businesses, causing foul smells and potential health hazards, and on the other hand, animal lovers and bird enthusiasts became outraged when a tree felling business started cutting down limbs and displacing the birds while they were nesting.
Concerned bird lovers called Ndlambe community protection services and the SPCA in protest.
Business owner Kathryn Sheridan said:” The birds attract a lot of attention from passersby and bring much pleasure. They will eventually fly off and must not be disturbed until the young are gone.”
Ndlambe environmental officer Willem Nel said that it was a “provincial issue” and that the Green Scorpions were aware of it. He also said the trees and nests may not be removed if there are live chicks in them.
SPCA chief inspector Anel Slabbert also attended the scene and the issue became an animal welfare issue handled by Slabbert.
She noted that two of the three trees where the birds were nesting were invasive species and that branches of trees were encroaching on a Telkom line. She concluded that in the end it would be better to remove the nests and find a reasonable way to discourage the birds from nesting in those trees.
It was confirmed by the owner of the tree felling business that there were no chicks in the nests, and only eggs.
The eggs have subsequently been handed over to Slabbert.
“The problem started when another tree where the birds nested was cut down near the river, and then a second tree was cut down,” she said.
It seems the birds are moving further up in the street and due to their food source primarily being closely linked to the river, the birds are maintaining their proximity to water.
Slabbert suggested that when residents notice unwanted birds “move” into a tree, the best approach is to find a way to discourage the permanent occupancy. She said there were many bird deterrents available that work well, and residents should consider these if they feel they are going to have a problem.
She confirmed that the property owner who issued the call to cut down the trees acted within their rights. “It’s a difficult issue and therefore prevention is always better. I would encourage people to be more observant. We need to find a workable middle ground between animal welfare and the business owners,” said Slabbert.
The property owner, Liezel Erasmus, who called for the cutting of the trees, said she never wanted a dispute. “I feel for the people upset about it. I’m perturbed that it is caused uproar. We are removing the tree and branches on our side. We have no garden, there are damages to our property and the stench is horrible,” she said.
“I hope they find a more suitable place, this is an urban area,” said Erasmus.