A homeowner in California has encountered an unexpected and somewhat alarming situation, reminiscent of a real-life Alfred Hitchcock scenario. Shirley Brown's residence has become a temporary refuge for approximately 300 black birds that enter her home through the chimney each evening. These avian visitors disperse throughout the house, creating quite a mess and causing significant disruption to daily life. The birds leave at dawn but return as dusk approaches, leading to a nightly cycle that has left Brown hoping for a resolution as the weather changes.

Brown first noticed this unusual phenomenon on a stormy Friday night. Initially, she believed the birds were seeking shelter from adverse weather conditions. However, their return every evening since then has revealed a more persistent pattern. To address the issue, Brown attempted to clean up using a vacuum cleaner, which only resulted in chaos as the startled birds flew around the house. This ongoing situation has not only affected her household routine but also drawn attention from neighbors, making her home unique among the six chimneys on her block.

The species involved, identified as Black Swifts, are known for their summer migration to the California coast and mountains for breeding purposes. With a global population of about 150,000, these birds typically choose specific locations for roosting. Brown's home seems to have inadvertently become one such preferred spot. Wildlife experts suggest that factors like chimney design or surrounding environmental cues might be influencing the birds' choice.

As days pass, Brown remains hopeful that changing weather patterns will encourage the birds to find alternative roosting sites. Until then, her home continues to serve as an unconventional sanctuary for these migratory visitors, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions with human habitats.