Hospital meeting with RSPCA over birds mystery

THE investigation into the mystery of Coventry’s falling birds continues, with the local hospital set to meet with the RSPCA to get to the bottom of the bizarre incident.

Earlier this month, birds were spotted falling from the sky outside University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) - with footage showing a number of birds dead or in distress on the ground.

The strange footage quickly went viral, with theories as to the cause spreading like wildfire.

Theories range from birds hitting the hospital windows to chemical involvement - with some even claiming that the city’s 5G network is to blame.

Initially, the RSPB were contacted. They passed the investigation to the RSPCA, who have the resources to look into the matter.

Describing the footage as “distressing”, a spokesman from the RSPCA confirmed they are investigating the possible cause.

And given that the incident took place on hospital grounds, it has been confirmed that UHCW are going to meet with RSPCA inspectors too.

The hospital has thanked members of the public for bringing the matter to their attention, and revealed that a service contractor for the hospital has also sought independent advice.

A spokesman for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust said:

“We are aware of the video footage that has been circulating on social media and would like to thank members of the public for bringing it to our attention.

“Our service contractor has sought independent advice and is also meeting with the RSPCA to consider potential causes.

“We take great pride in the natural environment at the hospital and take our responsibility to protect and support wildlife extremely seriously.”

The video, taken on October 7, shows the aftermath of the shocking incident.

Coventry man Joshua Brown had been visiting his grandmother but as he popped outside he said he spotted a bird falling out of a tree a short distance away.

Startled, he began filming and captured more and more birds on the floor - either dead or in some distress.

Speaking to the Telegraph, 37-year-old Joshua said: “I went to the hospital to visit my nan, and I was just popping out for a cigarette when I saw a bird fall out of a tree about two metres away. I just noticed more and more birds, so I started filming.

“I didn’t see any hit windows, but I’ve spoken to the RSPB who have taken a look at the video, and they think that most of the birds have twisted necks, like they’ve hit something.

“I spoke to a security guard who thought that some birds had gotten into the building and the birds falling out of the sky had something to do with pest control. There’s also a conspiracy theory about 5G causing it, but I don’t know enough about it to say.”

Responding to the video earlier this week, a RSPCA spokesman said: “We are aware of this distressing video and are now investigating the possible cause.

“Anyone with information about this should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for animal welfare officer Ben Jones.”