It's like the alternate reality of some Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Each year, typically between February and June, hundreds of egrets (specifically cattle egrets and snowy egrets) flock to various cities in North Texas to build their nests. Fort Worth is one of them, with birds having perched at neighborhoods like Tanglewood, Candleridge, Candle Ridge West, Kingswood Place, and Sterling Creek. According to the City of Fort Worth, sometimes as many as 200 birds nest in one neighborhood — which means falling plumage and white poop all over roofs, trees, sidewalks, and driveways, and of course the smell that comes with it.
But here's the thing — if an egret starts nesting and producing eggs, you can't touch them; they're protected from harassment under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
Residents can, however, deter the birds from nesting in their neighborhoods. According to the city, neighborhoods should keep an eye out for a yellowish-colored bird called the yellow-crowned heron, which usually arrives around February. The scout bird is a sign that the egrets are coming, and residents should prepare accordingly.
“No one wants to hurt or injure the birds,” Tim Morton, Code Compliance assistant director with oversight of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, said in a statement. “We just want them to find a wild or native area to nest that will be a safe area, as well as protecting personal property.”
The city has a few tips for deterring egret nests:
- Trimming trees
- Making loud noises using tools like air horns, loud bells, and banging pots and pans
- Hanging reflective streamers in trees
- Setting up scary-eye balloons filled with helium (must fly above the trees)
- Consider pooling resources and hiring a professional tree trimmer to thin tree branches throughout the neighborhood.
The city is also willing to assist neighborhoods, if needed. Those interested in learning more can call 817-392-1234.
