As many are aware, the city has been recently utilizing a variety of deterrent methods in an effort to prevent migratory birds from nesting in residential neighborhoods. However, all deterrent efforts must cease once the first egg is laid.
That is when the rookery is deemed to be officially established and is federally protected. On April 9, as staff were removing additional nesting material in a tree in the 5000 block of Pemberton, they found the first egg of the season. The city has conferred with Texas Parks and Wildlife and as a result of the discovery, the City and citizens must immediately cease all auditory and visual deterrent actions and terminate nest removal activities for the season.
Scare-eye balloons and mylar tape that were hung as deterrents should be removed from all trees. The birds will not be leaving the area where nests are established and eggs have been laid, so they will no longer be effective this season, and we do not want the birds to get accustomed to the sight of those objects over the next few months. This could impact their effectiveness for next season. No other deterrent actions can take place where nests exist, including spraying water, shining lights, or throwing objects into trees.
For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 972-625-1106. More information about migratory birds is available on our website.