BRENTWOOD, CA (KGO/CNN) - Dozens of birds are making one family absolutely miserable.
They're nesting right outside their home, making noise and making a mess, but the birds are protected by state law.
It's turning into a serious health concern.
"Dead carcasses, the fish, the eggs and the stench," homeowner Danielle Witrykus said.
Their backyard is lined with bird feathers, left behind by a flock of herons and egrets that have nested in this tree since March.
"They make noise nonstop flying from our tree to our roof," Witrykus said.
She said her family has become prisoners on their property after contacting city officials. They learned the birds are protected by state law. Biologists say their nests cannot be touched.
"This is a hazardous environment no one should be forced to live in this type of situation - not for me, my husband but more so for our children," Witrykus said.
The problem has gotten so out of hand, there's waste on the sidewalk, the fence and the tree trunk.
"The city is telling me they are doing all that they can, and there is nothing that can be done," Witrykus said.
Mayor Robert Taylor is concerned about the potential health risk.
"This is where bureaucracy and logic don't mix. This is insane," Taylor said.
Taylor said the city plans to contact state fish and wildlife officials.
He said they hope to figure out a plan to handle the problem - "not a Band-aid approach, but we need to fix it," he said.
Winter is right around the corner, so the birds will likely leave.
This family is worried about what they'll have to endure before the unwanted visitors finally decide to fly away.
Copyright 2017 KGO via CNN. All rights reserved.
