Loose Parakeet Causes £800 Car Repairs in Inverness as Damage Runs Into Thousands
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 2
Loose Parakeet Causes £800 Car Repairs in Inverness as Damage Runs Into Thousands
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 2
Summary
Lochardil residents say a loose parakeet has chewed through window seals and windscreen wipers since February, with one rumored repair bill at £800 and total damage estimated in the thousands of pounds.
NatureScot said the bird may be attacking reflections, seeking fats or minerals in rubber, or simply playing, and advised owners to cover cars, hide lower windscreen reflections or fold back wiper arms.
Residents said the bird appears for stretches, disappears for weeks and then returns, prompting some neighbors to drape cars in tarpaulin because they "can't do anything about it."
Highland Council said it would not intervene because the animal is a wild bird, while the parakeet—unusual in northern Scotland—is thought to be an escaped pet.