Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/17/2009

Question
We live in a small community and have a large tree in front of our house.  Around dusk the birds come in from the country and settle down for the night in the tree.  In doing so they leave a horrible mess on the sidewalks and grass and plants.  What can we do to rid us of these birds.  I think they are blackbirds or crow or barn type birds.

Answer
You will need to contact your local wildlife official for help and advice. It is illegal to harass or harm birds in any way. If you can prove that they are a serious nuisance, they might be able to get you a permit to scare them off. Meanwhile, understand that this is just a temporary situation and the birds will not be there for too much longer.
In the meantime, cover the sidewalk with cardboard or plastic. The grass and plants won't be harmed; it fact, it's good fertilizer for them.