Rome is facing a "guano alarm" as
millions of starlings leave the city covered in a thick layer of droppings.
Some four million starlings annually overwinter in the capital, but this year
spending cuts have derailed efforts to discourage the birds from settling in
central areas.
In previous years, anti-starling measures have included pruning
plane trees and broadcasting amplified cries of birds of prey through
loudspeakers. But such efforts have not been put into action in 2013,
so the birds have
deposited a thick layer of droppings on streets, vehicles and buildings.
The tree-lined Lungotevere, the boulevard running along the river Tiber,
is
particularly badly affected. Sections of it are thick with droppings,
creating
slip hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders alike.
Pedestrians arm themselves with umbrellas or run for cover. The
situation is so
bad that some residents bang on pots and pans in the streets and squares
to
scare the birds away.
There's a
photo gallery here.
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