RESIDENTS at a road in Winton have been kept awake and left confused by a peculiar bird sound.

Ellie Thompson is a student at Arts University Bournemouth and lives on Garth Road in Winton.

She took to social media to enquire about a loud eagle sound that kept her and her housemates awake.

She said: “The eagle sounds started a couple of months ago, but recently they got louder and louder.”

According to residents, the strange sound was actually a cat-repellent alarm, which set off loud eagle squawking sounds to scare off cats and foxes.

One of their neighbours had installed the alarm because the area is a hotspot for cats and foxes.

Ellie said: “There are lots of cats in the area, and they come in our garden.

“We also have foxes that come into the garden. They are very loud, so I understand why someone would want to put an alarm in their garden.”

After speaking with their neighbour, the residents said she agreed to turn down the alarm.

The Echo contacted the RSPCA to find out more information about the unique cat repellent and the RSPCA said they have not heard of an eagle sound cat alarm before. 

However, people have been reported to use ultrasonic devices to ward off cats and foxes. 

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "There has been limited research as to how ultrasonic 'repellent' devices impact cat welfare.

"Each cat will have their own response to these devices. They may find them mildly aversive, as indicated by an increase in ear flicking, but some cats actually approach and investigate the devices.

"When trialled in gardens, they have been linked with a reduction in visits from cats.

"This reduction is gradual, occurring over time. However, it has also been suggested that the devices repel small mammals and birds, suggesting they may also find them aversive and it is the absence of the wildlife which leads to a reduction in cat visits."