October - January: Early Prevention
Remove Old Nests: Inspect trees for old, abandoned nests and remove them to prevent new birds from using the same site.
Trim Trees: Thin tree canopies and remove deadwood to create less attractive nesting sites for egrets. Aim for less than 70% canopy cover.
Egrets prefer mature trees with dense canopy cover for nesting. Trim your trees before the birds arrive to make them less inviting.
January: Recognize “Sentry” Birds
Identify Sentry Birds: Early-arriving birds like egrets act as scouts, searching for nesting sites. Learn to identify them and monitor your yard.
February - March: Active Monitoring
Report Bird Sightings: If you spot sentry birds, alert your neighbors to take action.
Watch for Specific Species:
- February: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
- March: Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret
Monitor Trees: Check daily for birds or nesting materials. Early intervention is key.
Deter Nesting: Use noisemakers, water spray, or bright lights at night to scare birds away. Remove early-stage nests (without eggs) using poles or water hoses.
Important: Do NOT Disturb Nests with Eggs. Migratory birds are protected by law. Once eggs are laid, it is illegal to disturb the nest.
Harassment Techniques (Before Nesting)
Water Spray: Gently spray water to discourage birds without causing harm.
Remove Early Nesting Materials: Gently take down early-stage nests made of twigs and branches (but leave nests with eggs alone).
By staying proactive, monitoring your property, and following these guidelines, you can prevent egrets from nesting while respecting local, state and federal laws.
Solid Waste will pick up dead birds that are bagged and on the curb Monday-Saturday. For Solid Waste services call 817-392-1234.