Animal Care & Control

Migratory Birds (Egrets/Herons)

View the types of migratory birds seen in Texas.

Texas is a major route for migratory birds shuttling between the United States and Canada. This annual event can impact residential, commercial and industrial properties. Currently, one of our communities is being affected by nesting egrets and herons.

The nesting birds bring challenges such as noise, odor and significant amounts of excrement covering streets, sidewalks, cars and mailboxes on public and private property.

City staff is unable to address any of these issues while the birds are nesting due to their protected status under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The city needs the help of its residents to address this situation proactively.

What to do about migratory birds in your neighborhood

Nesting Season (March – October)

Property Owners Responsibilities:

• Cannot kill, harass, relocate, move or attempt to scare away the birds by any means during nesting season 
• Bag dead birds, place on curb and call Solid Waste at (817) 392-EASY (3279) 
• Report injured or stranded birds to Animal Care and Control at (817) 392-PAWS (7297)

City of Fort Worth Responsibilities: 

• Solid Waste will pick up dead birds that are bagged and placed on curb Monday – Saturday 
• Animal Care and Control will pick up injured or stranded birds 7-days a week.

Pre and Post Nesting Season (November - February)

Property Owners Responsibilities: 

• Destroy old and new nests before egg laying 
• Utilize a combination of scaring devices before Egrets lay eggs 
• Air Horns 
• Scare-eye type balloons or other visual deterrents 
• Water Hose 
• Habitat Modification 
• Thin tree canopy to allow sunlight to shine between limbs and other trees

City of Fort Worth Responsibilities: 

• Provide educational materials 
• Neighborhood training from subject matter experts

More Information

• View this presentation on migratory birds by Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Brett Johnson.
• Download a brochure.

Species

• Cattle Egret
• Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
• Snowy Egret
• Great Egret
• Blue Heron

View more information on these species » 

Contacts

Fort Worth Code Compliance:
817-392-1234
CodeCares@fortworthtexas.gov 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Division of Migratory Bird Management:
703-358-1714

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Fort Worth Office:
817-831-3128