A migratory bird, the rook typically flies southwards in a bid to get away from the colder climate up north, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has had some unfortunate consequences for the city of Suwon. (Image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – A migratory bird, the rook typically flies southwards in a bid to get away from the colder climate up north, a naturally occurring phenomenon that has had some unfortunate consequences for the city of Suwon.
Last December, more than 3,000 rooks blanketed various areas of the city, taking up residence in buildings and perching themselves atop overhead transmission lines. City dwellers soon found cause for complaint as the rooks splattered vehicles and other objects (and people) below with bird droppings, all the while creating noise pollution by cawing amongst themselves incessantly.
In February, an area including a major outlet shopping mall in eastern Suwon suffered a 15-minute blackout resulting from a short circuit that was caused by the troublesome rooks.
City dwellers soon found cause for complaint as the rooks splattered vehicles and other objects (and people) below with bird droppings, all the while creating noise pollution by cawing amongst themselves incessantly. (Image: Yonhap)
Considering their history, it is no wonder that sightings of 500 or so rooks that have begun to appear throughout the city are filling residents with trepidation. Rooks are generally active at night.
City officials expect large flocks of rooks to descend on the city by next week. The birds that have already arrived are believed to be groups of scouting parties that travel in advance of the rest of the population.
Both the private and public sector are better prepared to face the discomforts the rooks may cause this time around. The city has placed signs in 20 areas of the city where rooks are most likely to congregate, using big data technology. The signs will also warn pedestrians and drivers about parking underneath overhead transmissions lines to beware of bird droppings falling from above. Employing public janitors to rapidly clean up the mess the rooks make is another option being considered.
The signs will also warn pedestrians and drivers about parking underneath overhead transmissions lines to beware of bird droppings falling from above. (Image: Yonhap)
A city official said, “As of right now, there aren’t too many rooks so the types of disturbances that happened last year haven’t been seen yet. The city is making preparations by informing people of the movements of the rooks and how to deal with them through town hall meetings.”
S.B.W. (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)
