Mystery Gunk On Homes, Cars Identified As Bird Poop

HARRISON TOWNSHIP (AP) - Tests show that the origin of a mysterious black, oily substance that fell from the sky on houses and vehicles in parts of one Detroit-area community was of this earth.

It was bird droppings.

The Macomb Daily in Mount Clemens reports that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality made the identification Tuesday.

Microscopic examinations found traces of leaves, seed and fruit skins.

Harrison Township resident Paul Schlutow says his home and pickup truck were covered with the stuff. He says "the odds are astronomical" when wondering how many birds it would take to make a mess that large.

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