Migratory Birds Preventing Heronries in Residential Areas Fort - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Migratory Birds Preventing Heronries in Residential Areas

Fort Worth 2012 • Birds arrived in spring; stayed until September • Three homes had nests; entire block affected • Property owners working to remove old nests, trim trees, prevent new nesting • Birds are “programmed” to return; even greater numbers likely in spring 2013 • Where will the birds go?

The Problem

Limitations • Protected status under Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 prevents nest destruction when eggs of any species (egrets, herons, etc.) are present. • No City tax funds may be spent on private property. City has helped with: – Dead/injured bird pickup – Education

Case Study - Carrollton • Carrollton 2011 – 1201 Nests – 4,804 Adult birds – 7,206 Chicks – 7,206 Eggs • If allowed to return – 10,568 Adult birds – 42,272 Eggs – 21,326 Chicks – Total birds in the rookery would have been 31,704

The Plan • Education • Communication • Action Steps

Education is Key • Learn the warning signs – Previous nesting activity – Dense tree canopy – Scout or sentry birds • Know what you can legally do – Harassment methods – Nest removal • Get organized – Communicate with neighbors – Determine who will help and how

Action Steps • Fall – Remove old nests – Trim your trees – Get organized • February – Watch for sentry birds – Report sentry bird sightings to neighbors • Pre-Nesting – Make noise – Hang visual deterrents in trees – Use water hoses – Remove the start of any nest

Effective Tools • Air horns • Scare-eye balloons • Streamers • Water guns (toys) • Lights • Nest removal hook • Radios

Celebrate Success!

What’s the difference between roosting and nesting? “B “Bir irds ds don' don't typically pically sit it on on a a nes nest when hen roos oosting ing out outside ide the he nes nesting ing seas eason. on. Any nything hing can can be be done done to o dr driv ive e them hem aw away ay when hen they hey ar are e only only roos oosting.” ing.” USFW Wildlife Biologist

“ Act ctiv ive e or or Par artiall ially Act ctiv ive e Colonies olonies . Once egg laying has commenced by any of those birds, all nest destruction must cease. Destruction of empty nests in an active or partially active colony will likely threaten surrounding nests that contain eggs or nestlings; therefore it will not be allowed except on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Migratory Bird Permits Office.” Interim Empty Nest Policy of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2