Predator Impact can meet all of your blackbird and Grackle roost Removal needs
Does this really work?
The answer is a definite "YES!"
Very few aspects of falconry based nuisance bird abatement are as successful, and as complete, as black bird roost abatement.
Black birds and grackles choose to roost where they do because they feel safe. They only roost where there are few annoyances and no predators. So, Predator Impact brings the predators to them!
We use highly trained birds of prey to effectively move nuisance colonies of grackles and other black birds from their roosting areas, convincing the colony to split into smaller groups and find new areas to roost where they won't cause problems.
Predator Impact's technicians will come to your property at night with Harris' hawks that are trained to follow a laser (Yes! Laser guided hawks!) into the roost and to break them up. After a few consecutive nights of being roused out by predators, the black birds decide that there are better places to roost and they leave and they do not come back!
Predator Impact is bird friendly. We don't want to annihilate the flock; we just want them to leave your property!
The University of Nebraska study
,One of the best documented studies of the use of trained hawks to remove large colonies of blackbirds was conducted in 2007 (published in 2011) by the University of Nebraska. DFW Airport Terminal B was chosen as the study area.
The airport had tried the usual fake snakes, plastic owls, etc. but with no success. It was decided to do a study using trained hawks.
Professional biologists were brought in to monitor the treatment and to evaluate the results. Before the study started, there were too many birds to count. By the fourth night of "treatment" there was not a single black bird seen, or heard. No birds reappeared for the next three weeks.
The airport had tried the usual fake snakes, plastic owls, etc. but with no success. It was decided to do a study using trained hawks.
Professional biologists were brought in to monitor the treatment and to evaluate the results. Before the study started, there were too many birds to count. By the fourth night of "treatment" there was not a single black bird seen, or heard. No birds reappeared for the next three weeks.
The entire airport was cleared one terminal at a time and no birds returned to Terminal B.
The falconer comes back every few months and moves out any newcomers, but the air port has never had a blackbird problem again.
Predator Impact, LLC can do the same for your property.
Click the link below to see the full University of Nebraska report
The falconer comes back every few months and moves out any newcomers, but the air port has never had a blackbird problem again.
Predator Impact, LLC can do the same for your property.
Click the link below to see the full University of Nebraska report
| using_nighttime_falconry_for_roosting_blackbird_abatement_at_dall.pdf |
A long-lasting and Humane Solution
Most of our customers try other methods of chasing the colony away, usually with very little success. Blackbirds are much smarter than most people give them credit for. Hanging reflective "flashing" strips or fake predators will only work for a few days, if at all. The birds soon realize that these objects aren't dangerous and are not a threat.
The same thing applies to the recordings of their vocalizations and alarm calls. The birds get used to the sound, realize nothing is really happening and it loses its effectiveness.
The one thing that works every time is an active predator invading their roosting area. This is where Predator Impact comes in. We bring our predators, trained Harris’ hawks, into their roosting area. After a few consecutive nights of being terrorized in their roost, the birds disperse and find a new safe area to roost.
The same thing applies to the recordings of their vocalizations and alarm calls. The birds get used to the sound, realize nothing is really happening and it loses its effectiveness.
The one thing that works every time is an active predator invading their roosting area. This is where Predator Impact comes in. We bring our predators, trained Harris’ hawks, into their roosting area. After a few consecutive nights of being terrorized in their roost, the birds disperse and find a new safe area to roost.
How Much Does Blackbird and Grackle Removal Cost?
The real question is what does it cost to leave the colony there? Paint damage to cars, cleanup costs, dead trees and plants and ruined landscaping can really add up.
The cost to remove a colony of blackbirds depends on the size of the colony, the type of birds and hazards in the area. Certain birds, Brown Headed Cowbirds in particular, are more stubborn to move; a large property takes longer, and risk factors like busy streets, populated neighborhoods, or electrical power transformers all factor into the effort and cost to displace the roost.
The cost to remove a colony of blackbirds depends on the size of the colony, the type of birds and hazards in the area. Certain birds, Brown Headed Cowbirds in particular, are more stubborn to move; a large property takes longer, and risk factors like busy streets, populated neighborhoods, or electrical power transformers all factor into the effort and cost to displace the roost.
frequently asked questions
What are blackbirds?
Blackbirds, cowbirds, crows, grackles, and magpies (collectively called “blackbirds”), roost in large numbers for safety. These large colonies out compete other birds for roosting/nesting/feeding areas.
The weight of the birds, and especially their droppings, can damage or kill ornamental trees and plants. The thick layer of droppings underneath the roost will kill any lawn or decorative plants, and eventually even the trees themselves.
Do blackbird roosts impact human health?
Yes, blackbird roosts also present a human health hazard:
“Bird roosts that develop year after year in the same location can be a source of human disease. Bird droppings allowed to accumulate for several years produce a condition favorable for the growth of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
Inhaling spores from this fungus can produce a serious disease, histoplasmosis, in humans and in animals. People who have been exposed to these spores sometimes develop mild cases of histoplasmosis, but massive exposure can have serious consequences. So, birds should not be allowed to roost repeatedly near our homes.”
https://extension2.missouri.edu/g9447
Is it possible to just trap and relocate the birds?
No. Studies have shown that blackbirds will return to the same location even after being relocated many miles away. We have to convince them to leave on their own.
How do you use trained hawks to remove blackbirds?
Our Harris’ hawks are captive raised and are specially bred for falconry abatement. Harris’ hawks are unique among birds of prey in that they live in large flocks in the desert Southwest and it is not uncommon for a group to hunt together. They are extremely intelligent and learn to bust roosts quickly.
Are the hawks dangerous?
No, not unless you are a blackbird. They pose a threat to an occasional rabbit or squirrel, but mostly focus on small birds. Our Harris’ hawks are gentle and are often taken to grade school classes to teach the children about raptors. They live and hunt with our dogs, including small dogs like dachshunds. They are no risk to any person or pet.
Do the hawks kill many of the blackbirds?
If you are wanting a low mortality but highly effective solution to your bird problem, Predator Impact is the way to go! Due to the nature of predator and prey dynamics, there will be some occasional loss of life, but it is usually the panicked birds running into each other!
Roost abatement is not indiscriminate killing. We come in at night, so our Harris’ hawks are at a slight disadvantage from the beginning, then we ask them to fly through cover into a flock of hundreds of birds to pick out one single bird. Sometimes we may not cause any loss of life at all, and the abatement is still completely effective. Other times, we may take two or three birds and the rest just move out of the area.
Will the hawks hurt the other birds in the area?
Blackbirds tend to roost with others of their own kind, but if there are a few non-target species, they are typically frightened off with the blackbirds and there is very little chance of them being taken accidentally.
We have seen owls in the area and the blackbirds are still here. why are your hawks more effective?
Owls are the stealthy ninjas of the raptor world. They come in silently, pick off a single bird from the top of the roost and leave without causing much of a scene. They are specialized for nocturnal hunting. Our Harris’ hawks are specialized for diurnal (daytime) hunting. We teach them that they can fly at night and can be successful. Harris’ hawks are much more willing to "crash the brush" than an owl so they will fly into the center part of the tree where the majority of the flock is located so the entire colony knows a predator is there and panics.
What removal approach is best for my situation?
There is no “one size fits all” solution. Each solution is unique and we will be happy to do an on-site survey, and discuss options with you.
Will the blackbirds come back?
The blackbirds that are driven from your property will not come back, however, the same features that made your property attractive as a roost site before may continue to attract new flocks. We will help you determine what changes can be made to discourage roosting, or in some situations. In rare instances, we may need to plan regular visits to discourage newcomers. We guarantee that you will not have nuisance levels of blackbirds for six months. If they come back within six months, we’ll come back and repeat the treatment for free.
What about all the bird poop left behind?
One of our services is to pressure wash any sidewalks or patio areas at your request. Bird droppings located in grassy or natural areas will break down quickly in the rain.
Will this removal disrupt my business?
In general, no. Most roost abatement is done at night and we will work with you to minimize any impact on your business. While there isn’t a one-size fits all answer, we will work with you to minimize the interference with your business. Almost all roost abatement is done after dark, and we can work around your business hours. We will work with you to find a solution.
ARE THERE ANY LAWS REGARDING BLACKBIRD REMOVAL?
There are special laws that allow for the control of blackbird colonies, and Predator Impact will handle any necessary permits or licenses. Federal Depredation Order 50 CFR 21.43 allows all species of blackbirds to be controlled when they are present in numbers that present a nuisance. Below is a link with more information about depredation orders:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/50/21.43
Once per calendar year, you are required to attempt to control the roost using non-lethal methods. If that is unsuccessful, lethal methods are approved. Predator Impact seldom requires lethal methods.
Blackbirds, cowbirds, crows, grackles, and magpies (collectively called “blackbirds”), roost in large numbers for safety. These large colonies out compete other birds for roosting/nesting/feeding areas.
The weight of the birds, and especially their droppings, can damage or kill ornamental trees and plants. The thick layer of droppings underneath the roost will kill any lawn or decorative plants, and eventually even the trees themselves.
Do blackbird roosts impact human health?
Yes, blackbird roosts also present a human health hazard:
“Bird roosts that develop year after year in the same location can be a source of human disease. Bird droppings allowed to accumulate for several years produce a condition favorable for the growth of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
Inhaling spores from this fungus can produce a serious disease, histoplasmosis, in humans and in animals. People who have been exposed to these spores sometimes develop mild cases of histoplasmosis, but massive exposure can have serious consequences. So, birds should not be allowed to roost repeatedly near our homes.”
https://extension2.missouri.edu/g9447
Is it possible to just trap and relocate the birds?
No. Studies have shown that blackbirds will return to the same location even after being relocated many miles away. We have to convince them to leave on their own.
How do you use trained hawks to remove blackbirds?
Our Harris’ hawks are captive raised and are specially bred for falconry abatement. Harris’ hawks are unique among birds of prey in that they live in large flocks in the desert Southwest and it is not uncommon for a group to hunt together. They are extremely intelligent and learn to bust roosts quickly.
Are the hawks dangerous?
No, not unless you are a blackbird. They pose a threat to an occasional rabbit or squirrel, but mostly focus on small birds. Our Harris’ hawks are gentle and are often taken to grade school classes to teach the children about raptors. They live and hunt with our dogs, including small dogs like dachshunds. They are no risk to any person or pet.
Do the hawks kill many of the blackbirds?
If you are wanting a low mortality but highly effective solution to your bird problem, Predator Impact is the way to go! Due to the nature of predator and prey dynamics, there will be some occasional loss of life, but it is usually the panicked birds running into each other!
Roost abatement is not indiscriminate killing. We come in at night, so our Harris’ hawks are at a slight disadvantage from the beginning, then we ask them to fly through cover into a flock of hundreds of birds to pick out one single bird. Sometimes we may not cause any loss of life at all, and the abatement is still completely effective. Other times, we may take two or three birds and the rest just move out of the area.
Will the hawks hurt the other birds in the area?
Blackbirds tend to roost with others of their own kind, but if there are a few non-target species, they are typically frightened off with the blackbirds and there is very little chance of them being taken accidentally.
We have seen owls in the area and the blackbirds are still here. why are your hawks more effective?
Owls are the stealthy ninjas of the raptor world. They come in silently, pick off a single bird from the top of the roost and leave without causing much of a scene. They are specialized for nocturnal hunting. Our Harris’ hawks are specialized for diurnal (daytime) hunting. We teach them that they can fly at night and can be successful. Harris’ hawks are much more willing to "crash the brush" than an owl so they will fly into the center part of the tree where the majority of the flock is located so the entire colony knows a predator is there and panics.
What removal approach is best for my situation?
There is no “one size fits all” solution. Each solution is unique and we will be happy to do an on-site survey, and discuss options with you.
Will the blackbirds come back?
The blackbirds that are driven from your property will not come back, however, the same features that made your property attractive as a roost site before may continue to attract new flocks. We will help you determine what changes can be made to discourage roosting, or in some situations. In rare instances, we may need to plan regular visits to discourage newcomers. We guarantee that you will not have nuisance levels of blackbirds for six months. If they come back within six months, we’ll come back and repeat the treatment for free.
What about all the bird poop left behind?
One of our services is to pressure wash any sidewalks or patio areas at your request. Bird droppings located in grassy or natural areas will break down quickly in the rain.
Will this removal disrupt my business?
In general, no. Most roost abatement is done at night and we will work with you to minimize any impact on your business. While there isn’t a one-size fits all answer, we will work with you to minimize the interference with your business. Almost all roost abatement is done after dark, and we can work around your business hours. We will work with you to find a solution.
ARE THERE ANY LAWS REGARDING BLACKBIRD REMOVAL?
There are special laws that allow for the control of blackbird colonies, and Predator Impact will handle any necessary permits or licenses. Federal Depredation Order 50 CFR 21.43 allows all species of blackbirds to be controlled when they are present in numbers that present a nuisance. Below is a link with more information about depredation orders:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/50/21.43
Once per calendar year, you are required to attempt to control the roost using non-lethal methods. If that is unsuccessful, lethal methods are approved. Predator Impact seldom requires lethal methods.
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