Egret nesting season is approaching! Residents of The Colony, especially those within or adjacent to neighborhoods where the birds have previously nested, are strongly advised to trim their trees in order to minimize potential nesting canopies.
The City will not trim trees on private property. Residents are responsible for their own trees, including ones between the curb and sidewalk. We encourage residents to coordinate with their neighbors to solicit discounted pricing for commercial services. We highly recommend using contractors that are licensed and insured.
For those who take steps to thin and limb their trees, the City will provide them with a “starter deterrent kit” that will consist of items that may be helpful in scaring the birds away when they come back in the spring. There are no guarantees of the effectiveness but every action helps. The kits will be distributed upon request.
Also, if/when the birds do begin returning in the spring, city staff will again deploy loud noisemakers and a special sound system that plays predatory birdcalls and sounds of distressed birds as an additional means of deterrence.
But for now, pay close attention to your trees and notify us as soon as you start seeing the birds again. Deterrent actions must be swift, strong and constant throughout the early nesting season. Remember, the key is to scare them away BEFORE they begin nesting. Once they have laid the first egg, our deterrent actions will be extremely limited due to federal law.
“Please encourage your neighbors to join the effort to drive these birds completely out of the area before they nest,” said Pam Nelson, Community Services Director. “To be successful, everyone must be committed to action and involvement. Based on the expansion of the rookery that was here last year, we expect this year to be even more challenging.”
For more information, visit our Migratory Birds webpage or contact Nelson by calling 972-624-3958.
