Dealing with Nuisance Birds

It's that time of year when aggressive nesting raptors, drumming and excavating flickers and other critters begin making their presence known. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game would like to offer some suggestions to help alleviate or reduce problems. Raptors, including hawks, eagles and owls, can be very aggressive from the time they start building their nest until their young leave. Swainson's hawks in particular can bring the fear out in even the toughest of people. If the birds have not lain eggs-meaning they are still displaying acrobatic courtship behaviors as well as nest building-the nest can be removed. Taking it down by hand is probably the easiest if it can be reached from a ladder or by climbing. But be sure to wear head and eye protection because the birds may defend their hard work. The nests also can be knocked down with spray from a high pressure hose or with a long pole. Be sure to watch out for power lines and other hazards. Once the birds are incubating eggs, the issue is more complicated. If the adults are so aggressive that waiting until the eggs hatch and the young birds fledge is not an option, call the regional Fish and Game office for help. Removing eggs, young birds or adults is illegal. Migratory birds are protected under federal law, so Fish and Game will contact federal biologists to assist. People who don't mind the birds in their yard or neighborhood should be patient and vigilant. Not all birds are as defensive as others. Some may allow people to walk, drive, or even picnic under the nest, offering a unique opportunity to watch Mother Nature at her finest. Some may still dive bomb anyone who gets too close so wearing a hat and being aware of the bird's location and behavior is always a good idea. Woodpeckers, particularly northern flickers, can wreak havoc in a number of ways. On a log home the birds may actually be feeding on insects living in the walls. Numerous small holes in the wood are a sure sign. But woodpeckers may also drum on the side of your house no matter what's it built of-or even on metal roof vents. This obnoxious noise making is really to attract a mate. Woodpeckers actually excavating a cavity on the side of a house are trying to build a home for themselves. Blocking the woodpecker's access to the walls is the least damaging option and includes putting netting, burlap or other material over the areas they are excavating. Metallic streamers may deter the birds from working the area and harassment of any kind may also help. Spray the birds with a hose, make lots of noise or simply chase them away. If it's an insect issue, however, a professional exterminator may be the best solution. Finally, providing an alternate home for the birds is always a good idea. Designs for complete woodpecker nest boxes can be found at many internet sites. Regional Fish and Game offices have designs as well for anyone who doesn't have web access. Fish and Game folks often are asked, "What's up with the bird that keeps throwing itself against the window?" Many birds are territorial. Seeing their own reflection in the window makes them think another bird is trespassing on their nest site or trying to steal their mate. The easy fix for this problem is to close the shades or temporarily block the reflection with paper or a blanket. None of these methods is foolproof or 100 percent successful, but try them first. If the problem persists or becomes dangerous call Fish and Game for help.