Horse racing fans and participants alike know all the common reasons for the rescheduling of racing programs --- bad track conditions, adverse weather, contract disputes, etc. How about birds?

According to a report by The Northern Daily Leader, races scheduled for the evening of Saturday, May 14 at the Narrabri Showgrounds in Narrabri, Australia have had to be moved forward to the afternoon due to massive flocks of birds which have caused extensive damage to the track's lights.

First-race post time for the Saturday card will now go forward at 2:00 p.m. in stead of 5:30 p.m.

“I reckon they’ve caused $300,000 worth of damage,” Narrabri Harness Racing Club President Peter Shepherdson was quoted as saying in the report.

The article explains that the birds peck and eat the synthetic surface at a neighbouring tennis court. The synthetics then apparently produce a 'high' in the birds similar to alcohol or drugs. In turn, the birds then cause damage to the facilities.

(With files from The Northern Daily Leader)