In an effort to encourage the birds to move on with their migration now that they can all fly, city staff will resume "hazing" activities (including the use of noisemakers) in affected neighborhoods starting Wednesday, Oct. 2.
These actions are being conducted in concert with Texas Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, both of which have been on site to evaluate the current conditions and have approved the resumption of deterrence efforts.
As in the spring, staff will be deploying the “banger” and “screamer” noisemakers. Residents should be aware that these items are intended to be very loud, and could possibly mimic the sound of a gunshot. Additionally, the launcher for these noise makers has a similar shape to that of a small pistol. Noisemakers will not be fired directly at birds. The intent is merely to scare the birds away from the area.
Unlike in the spring when the birds came to build their nests, many leave the area to feed during the day. Hazing actions will be most effective in the early morning and evening. Affected residents are also encouraged to take action with noisemakers, spraying water in trees, or doing whatever you need to make them uncomfortable and want to leave the area.
It is our hope the duration of these new hazing activities will be shorter than what they were in the spring. For more information, contact Community Services Director Pam Nelson.
For more information, visit our Migratory Birds page.