Birds
Most people really enjoy birds in their gardens. They can
easily be attracted with feeders and plants that provide food, cover, and
nesting sites. Once in a while, we attract birds that are less welcome or cause
property damage. In most instances, the damage is minimal and should be
tolerated. On occasion, we may need to take steps to discourage or exclude
birds. This column will discuss some nuisance bird species and some non-lethal
control methods.Virtually all bird species are
protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. In Arizona, the
exceptions are English sparrows, English starlings, and pigeons (rock doves).
These three species are non-native birds that can be controlled without a
permit. It is illegal to harm or harass all other bird species without a permit
from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.Both
non-protected and protected bird species can damage property, crops, or cause
health hazards. Woodpeckers commonly cause damage to wood-sided homes when they
try to create nesting cavities or store food. They are particularly attracted to
unpainted surfaces of cedar and redwood, knotholes, and gaps in siding.
Woodpeckers also seem to prefer vacant houses. Blue jays and scrub jays can be
quite damaging to fruit and nut crops. Ravens and crows are also protected but
can harm crops, carry diseases, and prey on other bird and wildlife species.
Blue herons eat fish from backyard ponds. These are the species I most often
receive calls about.Integrated pest management
(IPM) techniques should always be used. IPM is a stepwise process that utilizes
planning and minimizes negative impacts on non-target organisms. The steps of
IPM are: (1) identify the pest, (2) monitor damage until it reaches an economic
threshold (unacceptable damage level), (3) apply multiple control strategies
appropriate for that pest, (4) monitor effectiveness of the control strategies,
and (5) reapply if necessary.Most bird conflicts
can be resolved by modifying habitat. The most direct approach is applying
exclusion techniques. Well-placed bird netting will either prevent or discourage
most birds from causing damage to crops and structures. When protecting fruit
trees, close the netting around the trunk to avoid trapping birds inside. Small
pieces of sheet metal can be used cover woodpeckers holes on wood homes. This
often discourages further activity.Frightening
devices can be effective, but usually only for a short time. These include
recorded distress calls, pyrotechnics (explosions), and scaring devices
(streamers, owl decoys, hawk silhouettes, scarecrows, etc.). Birds often
habituate to frightening techniques. Therefore, they should only be used when
damage levels are low and should be varied in placement every few days.
Pyrotechnics may bother neighbors or be illegal.Tactile repellents can be effective at changing bird roosting sites
or damage locations. These are usually tacky substances (tanglefoot) that are
applied to common roosting areas. The birds dislike standing in it and avoid
these areas. These compounds can also discolor paint and may get runny in the
heat. Try these gooey products on a test patch to observe the effect before
using on large areas. Pigeons can be discouraged from roosting by fastening
porcupine wires (small clusters of wire that have several ends that point
outward) to common roost sites. These are very effective.If you feed wild birds and have conflicts with some of those same
species, then it may be time to reassess which birds you feed and/or what kind
of feed you provide. Remember that all wild birds except starlings, sparrows,
and pigeons are protected. Exclusion is often the best solution to avoiding
damage. Finally, learn to tolerate some losses or damage that native birds may
cause. They were here first!
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