Helsinki city officials removed unauthorized bird feeding stations from two downtown parks in April. The handmade devices disappeared from Pengerpuisto in Kallio and Näkinpuisto in Sörnäinen districts.
The bird enthusiast who created the feeders demands 140 euros in compensation from the city. He claims the carefully crafted feeding stations were destroyed without warning.
City authorities refused payment and cited rat problems as the removal reason. They received complaints about rodents in the eastern downtown area where the feeders were located.
Why did the city remove the bird feeders? Officials say installing personal equipment on public property is generally prohibited. They also note bird feeding during non-winter months worsens rat issues.
The resident initially requested 120 euros, then increased his claim to 140 euros. He argued the city's action was arbitrary since feeding birds is permitted where not specifically forbidden.
A city official first rejected the compensation request. The resident appealed that decision to the urban environment board, which will review the case next Tuesday.
The board is expected to side with the city again. This leaves the bird lover without compensation for his destroyed creations.
This situation highlights the tension between individual initiatives and municipal regulations in urban environments. The city prioritizes pest control while residents seek closer connections with nature.