Unbelievable Encounter: Flock of 800 Birds Invades Family Home

Get ready, because what you are about to see isn't easy to digest: a massive flock of swifts forced a family out of their home by entering through the chimney and taking over completely.

Kerry, the homeowner, recounted that she had just returned from a restaurant with her husband and son when they saw dozens of small birds flying out of their chimney. But an unpleasant surprise awaited them inside, as they discovered the flock had decided to settle in.

"It's really hard to explain," Kerry told local news channel KTLA. "Anyone who hasn't seen it with their own eyes wouldn't believe me."

Experts estimated that close to 1,000 birds took up residence in Kerry and her husband's home, and were gradually removed by the city's animal services—not before the family documented all the damage. "They chewed up everything and left droppings everywhere," Kerry said. "We were advised to leave the door open so they would find their way out, but that tip didn't help and they didn't leave. They behave as if they want to go out, but when we open the door, they stay put. It's unbelievable."

In a video posted later on social media by the local Montecito Fire Station in Santa Barbara, the harrowing moments were captured as firefighters shone lights on the fireplace grate in the living room, revealing hundreds of birds gathered on top of each other. The firefighters, called to resolve the issue, forced the family to stay in a hotel for several nights. During that time, they found a way through a mesh in the back entrance wall, which allowed them to drive the swifts out.

Watch news coverage of the event (in English):