Potomac Ave. Bird Battle Ends — Till Next Year

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RESIDENTS OF Potomac Avenue SE are relieved: another summer swarmed by starlings is finally over.

The birds, which come to roost in the neighborhood in hordes every summer, began leaving of their own accord in late August and early September, resident Jennifer Smira told The Post — with little prodding from D.C. officials despite repeated pleas from residents.

Their presence this year had some unpleasant results. From The Post:

Their droppings whitewashed the sidewalks, clumped to the lids and handles of trash cans, dotted front fences and made it so that every time Smira walked her dog, she had to clean its paws with baby wipes before they returned inside.

Calls to the city led to a frustrating cascade of pointed fingers, but little action, Smira said. By the time Health Department officials responded — by hanging reflective silver streamers on the trees — the birds "were already gone."

Ward 6 D.C. Council member Tommy Wells has already held a meeting, at Smira's home, to discuss what to do when the birds come back next year.

» "UPDATE: With Tinseled Trees, the Capitol Hill Bird Battle Is Over, for Now" [WaPo]
» EARLIER: "Bard's Sole Starling Mention Plagues Capitol Hill" [Free Ride/Express]

Photo from earlier this year by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post