Diners at a bustling Sydney restaurant were witness to an unusual event over the weekend when a woman intervened to remove an ibis that had entered the establishment. The bird, commonly known as a "bin chicken," was found perched on a table near a window.
In footage of the incident, the woman, identified as Alice, approached the ibis. As the bird attempted to fly away, Alice managed to grab its legs. With the ibis flapping its wings, she turned it upside down and carried it toward the exit. A restaurant staff member then assisted by taking the bird outside with a towel.
Emily Calleija, who filmed the capture, told news.com.au that the incident occurred at a restaurant in Dural during a baby shower lunch. She described the scene as chaotic as patrons attempted to get the bird out. "No one knew what to do; one lady was holding her napkin up to try and shoo the bird," Calleija said. "Alice knew she could handle it and remove the bird, so that's what she did."
The restaurant owner expressed gratitude for Alice's actions, noting that the birds can be a nuisance and cause mess. He thanked her and offered her lunch and a glass of wine on the house.
The ibis population in Sydney grew significantly after birds were brought to Taronga Zoo in the 1970s and encouraged to breed. Similar breeding success has been noted in other Australian cities, leading to the birds becoming common in urban environments.