FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLACKBIRD REMOVAL
What are Blackbirds?
Blackbirds, cowbirds, crows, grackles, and magpies (collectively called “blackbirds”), roost in large numbers for safety. These large colonies outcompete other birds for roosting/nesting/feeding areas.
The weight of the birds and their droppings can damage 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.
The weight of the birds and their droppings can damage 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 Blackbirds 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.” Learn more about blackbird damage |
|
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. 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 very 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 then 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 on out of the area.
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 then 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 on 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, what makes 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 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, 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 Removal disrupt my Business?
Again, 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. Federal Depredation Order 50 CFR 21.43 allows the following species to be controlled without a special permit when they are present in numbers that present a nuisance:
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.
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.