Non-Resident Man Feeds Hundreds of Pigeons Daily at Circuit Road HDB While Denying Actions Despite Video Evidence

Residents at Circuit Road HDB have complained about a stranger who has been feeding pigeons in the evenings for several weeks, causing hundreds of birds to gather “punctually” to compete for food.

Here’s what happened.

Man Denies Feeding Birds Despite Being Caught in the Act

Ms Xu (name transliterated from Mandarin), a 41-year-old housewife living at Circuit Road, contacted Shin Min Daily News about a man who she believes is not a resident but has been appearing in the HDB area to feed pigeons almost daily, causing numerous problems that have become unbearable.

Ms Xu told reporters that this man only appeared a few weeks ago. He always brings bread to feed birds near Block 68, which has worsened the bird problem in the community.

“He throws bread all over the grass, and when pigeons fight for food, they fly everywhere. It’s dirty and messy, and really unhygienic,” she said.

Videos recorded by residents show the man taking bread from a bag, tearing it into pieces, and throwing it onto the grass as dozens of pigeons gather on the lawn to peck at the food.

When Shin Min Daily News reporters visited the HDB recently, they found pigeons clustered on the lawn and along the walls of the building.

By around 4:00 PM, pigeons gathered at the foot of Block 68, seemingly waiting for something. A senior citizen nearby revealed that someone has been feeding them in the evenings recently, so the pigeons “report” to the lawn at the same time every day.

Sure enough, at around 5:00 PM, a man carrying bread arrived, skillfully tearing bread into pieces and throwing it onto the grass to feed the pigeons, matching the video footage exactly.

While feeding, he vigilantly turned his head to check his surroundings. Upon noticing the reporter, he immediately dropped the bread in his hand and asked why the reporter was taking photos.

The reporter approached, identified himself, and asked if the man knew that feeding birds was against regulations. The man initially denied feeding birds, then changed his story, claiming it was his first time in the community and that he didn’t know feeding birds was prohibited.

When the reporter showed him the video, pointing out that the person in it matched his height, build, clothes, and hairstyle, he still insisted it was his first visit and that the person in the video wasn’t him.

“He just looks like me, it’s not me. It might be my friend. I’ll remind them,” he said.

The man then stated that the bread was bought for his children before hastily leaving.

Residents Face Daily Cleaning of Bird Droppings

The gathering of pigeons has resulted in droppings everywhere, with some residents cleaning up after work every day.

A 58-year-old cleaner living in a neighbouring block said in an interview that the problems caused by the pigeons have troubled her for a long time, and she hopes authorities can step in to resolve the issue.

She mentioned that every afternoon when she returns home, she has to deal with bird droppings and odors at her doorstep, which exhausts her.

“After a tiring day, I still have to clean up when I get home. If I don’t wash it, it’s not acceptable. It’s really tiring and frustrating,” she said.

Based on observations at the scene, some walls on the first and second floors of the HDB blocks have bird spikes installed, suggesting that the bird problem isn’t recent.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous said that whenever she passes through the community with her children, they see large numbers of pigeons, which makes her uncomfortable.

“These birds fly everywhere. Who knows if they spread germs? It’s not good for environmental hygiene,” she said.

Other residents also expressed concerns and hope that authorities will intervene.

The Marine Parade Town Council responded to Shin Min Daily News inquiries, stating they are working with relevant departments and residents to solve the problem, including promoting awareness about the dangers of feeding, strengthening garbage disposal, and making sure food sources are cleaned up promptly.

A spokesperson noted that to control the pigeon population and related issues, a pigeon catching operation was conducted at the beginning of the month, with another planned soon. Additionally, cleaners immediately clean up bird droppings or food residue whenever they see them or receive feedback from residents.

The Town Council also urges residents not to feed pigeons to avoid increasing their numbers and causing public health problems, as bird droppings can cause a series of diseases and symptoms.

Residents who spot anyone feeding pigeons can call 1800 241 6487 or 1800 287 6530 to notify the Town Council.

In recent years, the population of chicken has increased in Singapore, too, probably due to overfeeding as well. Watch this video to know more: