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A cluster of mysterious bird deaths is ruffling feathers.
Nearly 30 birds in outdoor aviaries at three different properties in Dunedin suburbs Corstorphine and Concord were found dead in their cages this week.
Their owners are concerned smoke from woodburners might be behind the deaths.
Jacqui Hellyer was horrified when, while checking the aviary at her Gilmerton St home on Monday, she discovered 15 of her 30 budgies were dead.
She initially thought a wintry blast at the start of the week may have been responsible, but her other birds were fine.
Now she wondered if something airborne may have been the cause.
She had owned birds at the same property for about five years and had never had anything similar happen.
A couple of days later, Crammond Ave resident Nicole Serong lost two rainbow lorikeets.
"They were fine the day before, showing no signs of illnesses."
Her mother, who lived nearby, had 10 cockatiels die on the same day.
She had contacted the Ministry for Primary Industries to see if any diseases were going around, but was told it was not aware of anything.
She did not know with 100% certainty what caused the deaths, but she wanted to remind people of the issues that could be caused by burning treated or wet wood.
Otago Regional Council compliance manager Tami Sargeant said the council had not been made aware of any air quality issues in the Corstorphine or Concord areas, but air quality could be impacted over winter by home heating.
If people had concerns they should contact the council, she said.