Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/26/2007

Question
We have a neighbor that has a huge tree that overhangs our driveway.  She refuses to trim her tree even though the bird crap is a HUGE problem.  We cannot park our cars in the driveway or close to our garage because there are tons (and it seems like hundreds) of doves that continually roost in her trees and 'poop' all over our cars and sidewalk.  My question is how can we stop the birds from doing this?  It is becoming an increasing irritant that will lead to us chainsawing her trees straight up the property line if necessary.  We don't want to do this but her only comment is "Trees are a precious commodity in West Texas".  This is insane!!!

Help!!

Layne

Answer
There are a number of ways to discourage this behavior, depending on how much patience you have and how much you love birds. Whatever your course of action, keep in mind that most birds are protected by Federal and State laws.

1. Discourage the birds with a garden hose by shooting a jet of water at the bird, or by banging pots and pans together or by making some other sudden loud noises.
2. Tether helium filled balloons at the base of the tree with the balloons floating as high as you can.3. Hang aluminum pie plates or aluminum strips from the branches across the problem area.

For further information, contact a local US Department of Agriculture Animal Damage Control office or Cooperative Extension Office or wildlife official for more advice. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com