Hello
this is only my second post as I am a bit of a newbie and I could do with some advice.
I live in the bottom flat of a block of 6. There is a communal garden. No-one but myself bothers with the garden because they are all proffessional folk out at work all day. Following early retirement I have fallen in love with the garden and the birds that come to visit. I feed the birds everyday and it is a hugely enjoyable part of my life now.
Today I got a knock at the door and it was my neighbour from upstairs requesting that I stop feeding the birds as they are crapping on his car. I of course refused and suggested that he chose a different place (theres plenty of room) instead of under the trees as this is where the birds roost. I too get bird crap on my car because there are several trees in the car park which are a magnet to birds.
After I refused my neighbour then said he would have to get our Housing Association 'involved' and they would make me stop feeding the birds. Can he do this? Can the housing association make me stop?. I would hate to have to stop feeding, its a highlight of my day.
Thank you
Barefoot between Worlds
What your charming(!) neighbour fails to realise is that birds will defecate whether you in particular are feeding them or not. If he wants to save his precious car he can either park it elsewhere or put a cover on it.
I'm afraid to say that in a situation like this, however, the housing association will no doubt side with him, as these days it seems anybody who attempts to help wildlife is derided and forced to back down, for no other reason than it encroaches on certain peoples' view tham mankind is worthier than all other life on earth and nothing had better spoil their peace. It's pretty disgusting really.
Stand your ground, keep feeding the birds, and tell him where he can shove his car and the housing association.
(Sorry. I get very angry about these sorts of things).
Hello autumnlady.Sorry to hear about your neighbour trying to stop you feeding the birds. It seems he is either too stuipid too move his car or too lazy to wash it. As far as him going to the Housing Association, I really hope they side with you and you can continue to feed the birds. It'd be a disgrace if they tell you to stop feeding. Hope it all works out in your favour.Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
It just shows the petty minds of people these days
If you have a hobby(ies), and enjoy your birds there will always be someone out there who will want to spoil it for you
1. They are inadequate people
2. They are jealous of you
3. They are simpletons
As what Anna has said tell them where to go in a polite way of course. You need to stand up for yourself.
The Housing Association will side with the complaints form the tenent, as they know no different (unless they are birdlovers)
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thank you for your responses. I am not going to back down on this and am wondering if there is anything that can force me to stop feeding (by this I mean is there any law to say I cant feed). I can bet a pound to a penny that they try and say feeding will attract rodents (health and safety and all that).
I have slept on this and have woken up very mad, am determined to fight my (the birds lol) corner!
Hi Autumnlady, I would like to think that the Housing Association would side with you over this. However, it is a communal garden and as such I feel they may have to ask you to stop - even if they privately support you. It rather depends on the Terms which are in place for areas of communal use. I do hope, though, that sense will prevail.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
The garden is well away from the car park. No-one but myself ever ventures into it. His argument is that because I am feeding them the amount of poo has risen but my answer is dont park your car under the trees where they roost, there is plenty of space where no trees overhang.
What a ........ , Carry on, keep all/any letters you get from your Housing Association, take photos of the carpark. and where you feed the birds. If they request and they can only request, that you stop feeding birds, send it you local paper and NAME him. Think he's looking for a scapegoat for his stupidity of parking under a tree. In fact just print off these comments and post them through his door.
Hi again. Just an idea but it might be worth you "getting in first" so to speak by contacting the Housing Association and explaining and clarifying the position with them (get them on your side). Then if/when Mr Moan does likewise (he might be all hot air) they will be ready for him.
I do think Squirrel's advice may be the path to follow. Also, stay calm and controlled, but firm. Often you find people don't know how to deal with a no aggression approach, rather than some one who goes in 'all guns blazing'. I presume you know your other neighbours and you have a closer relationship with one or two of them. If so, I would see these first. Do you have any before and after, dated photographs, which shows that nothing has changed since you started feeding the birds? I have returned to my car in a supermarket carpark and have found it full of bird droppings. I hope a load of Gulls find his car.
Hi Autumnlady,
I think also that you would be wise to "get in first" and contact your landlords as soon as possible, but also it might be an idea to contact all your other neighbours and ask their opinions. The Housing Association will certainly do this. If you explain that in the warmer months when they are at home during daylight, they will reap the benefit of seeing and watching your birds. Show them some information about the importance of feeding birds in this harsh weather, and make them feel guilty by saying the birds may die if not fed. You never know, they may be on your side.
Good luck, and keep us in touch with what happens.
Cheers, Linda.
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