LITTLETON, Colo. — Tenants of the Mountain Gate apartments in Littleton say a persistent bird infestation has made their homes unlivable for yet another spring, citing concerns about health, safety and unfulfilled promises from the property management company.
According to residents, hundreds of swallows return to nest each year on Building 8, leaving behind droppings, dead birds and bird mites that tenants say are getting into their apartments through windows and cracks in the walls.
“It’s a living nightmare,” said former tenant Ben Timmer. “There’s bird poop everywhere... we didn’t sleep very much.”
Timmer, who lived in the building in 2023, said the problem was so severe that he and his partner taped up their windows and eventually moved out.
“That’s what pushed us out — the bird mites coming out of the nest,” he said.
Tenants say they’ve repeatedly contacted Greystar, the national property management company that owns Mountain Gate, about the issue. Emails obtained by 9NEWS show that Greystar acknowledged the problem last year and indicated to tenants it would be addressed.
“They said they were gonna try and do something to make it not such a nuisance,” Timmer said. “But as you can tell, nothing really got taken care of.”
Photos and videos taken by residents show mud nests clinging to the exterior of the building, piles of droppings on windows and balconies and even a dead baby bird covered in a pile of bird poop on the ledge of Timmer's balcony.
Timmer estimated that at least 25 nests were visible outside his window.
Greystar told 9NEWS it is aware of the problem, but said its options are limited due to federal wildlife protection laws.
“The birds nesting on the property are a species of swallow protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918,” the company said in a statement. “We are taking all appropriate steps to deter nesting activity and maintain cleanliness in shared areas without disturbing any active nests, in full compliance with federal law.”
The company added that it is working closely with licensed wildlife professionals “to develop humane, long-term solutions that protect both the birds and the quality of life for our residents.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed to 9NEWS that the birds are likely barn or cliff swallows — both protected species. CPW said the birds are drawn to water sources like the nearby Platte River and ponds, and often return to the same nesting sites year after year that they deem safe and habitable.
According to CPW, property owners cannot remove nests once eggs have been laid, but they are permitted to take proactive steps beforehand, such as installing barriers or applying for a federal removal permit. CPW said it receives many calls about swallows this time of year and emphasized that prevention must occur before nesting begins.
Tenants say that’s exactly what they’ve been asking for— and it hasn't happened.
"[Greystar property managers] come and remove the nest at the end of the year and power spray like they do every year. But [the birds] come back. They’re always back," Timmer said.
Some residents also believe the conditions violate Colorado’s warranty of habitability, a state law that requires landlords to resolve health and safety hazards in a timely manner.
“It’s 100% a health hazard, especially with the AC units being right below everything,” Timmer said, pointing to the bird droppings inside the AC unit.
As the birds return again this year, tenants say little has changed.
“Put up some wire, do something,” Timmer said. “There’s people that call this their home.”