Migratory Birds

Need to submit a concern or early sighting of migratory birds? Please submit a Migratory Bird Concern Report.

Nesting birds, such as herons, egrets and other nesting waterbirds, bring challenges such as noise, odor and significant amounts of excrement that covers streets, sidewalks, cars and mailboxes on public and private property. People may find the birds' chosen nesting areas offensive and a nuisance when birds locate near their homes and businesses. Concerns of possible health hazards, as well as noise and odors are some of the most cited complaints.

However, these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, a U.S. federal law that protects more than 800 species of birds during their migration between the United States and Canada. As a result, the City of The Colony is unable to address any complaints while the birds are nesting.

What can you do before nesting season begins?

• Familiarize yourself with "sentry" birds. They are the first to arrive looking for good nesting places. Report sightings to your neighbors and to the City of The Colony by submitting a Migratory Bird Concern Report.
• Familiarize yourself with the variety of birds found in Texas. Each species has a different breeding period. Be on the lookout for these birds beginning at these times: February: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron; March: Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret. See pictures below of birds common to this area with basic descriptions.
• Nesting season is typically March - October. Pre and post nesting season is typically November - February. Do not kill, harass, relocate, move or attempt to scare away the birds by any means during nesting season.

What can you do once birds have arrived?

• Use a combination of scaring devices before migratory birds lay eggs.
• As soon as you see birds on or near your property, begin using scare tactics.
• Use noisemakers, water spray or shine lights at night.
• Hang "scare eye" balloons or other moving objects in trees.
• Use long poles, tennis balls or water hoses to disturb early nesting material.
• DO NOT harm birds or eggs. These birds are protected by international treaty.
• Once birds begin sitting on nests, eggs are probably present. You cannot kill, harass, move or disturb the birds when they are actively nesting.
• For more information, check out this video on the City's YouTube Channel highlighting the hazing techniques employed by the city.

What can you do if a rookery is established?

• Continue normal maintenance of your property (mowing, weed-eating, edging, watering, etc.)
• Power wash or spray down your sidewalks, lawns, landscaping, home, etc. to dissipate bird waste.
• Contact The Colony Animal Services at 972-370-9250 or The Colony PD non- emergency at 972-625-1887 (24 hours a day) to report fallen eggs, injured, or dead birds. Animal Services will pick them up.
• DO NOT attempt to handle birds, and DO NOT do anything to intentionally disturb the birds or their nests!

What can you do after nesting season has ended?

• Remove any old, abandoned nests.
• Trim your trees. Remove deadwood, and thin tree canopy to allow sunlight between limbs and other trees.
• Be a good neighbor and help those who may have special needs and/or team up with your neighbors when hiring a tree trimming service and ask for discount rates for group service.
• Be watchful and report these bird arrivals anywhere in your neighborhood in late winter/early spring to the City. They may not be your problem at the time, but that can change quickly!

Common Migratory Birds