Weather permitting, The City of Frederick Department of Public Works will be participating in a bird scare program in the vicinity of Dill Avenue beginning Monday, November 4th and continuing through Thursday, November 7th at sundown each evening.
CONTACT: Susan S. Harding, Public Information Officer, 301-600-1385
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 1, 2013
Bird Scare Program Underway in The City of Frederick
Frederick, Md. -- Weather permitting, The City of Frederick Department of Public Works - Operations will be participating in a bird scare program in the vicinity of Dill Avenue beginning Monday, November 4, 2013 and continuing through Thursday, November 7, 2013 at sundown each evening. There will be one exception. There will no bird scare activity on Tuesday, November 5th due to the City elections.
A bird gun, which is a City approved firearm, will be used to scare the birds from that area. Residents should be aware that this gun produces a very loud sound. The City can only offer a form of temporary relief. The City responds to citizen requests if the offending birds are in the right-of-way trees, not private property. These right-of-way trees are clearly identified in the State Roadside Tree Care Law and as a rule of thumb are within the City Limits, and between the curb and sidewalk or in a median area (maintained by City Staff). Birds in street trees are attracted to the populated areas due to the food sources and the warmth of the pavements and homes. Bird complaints can be registered by calling 301.600.1440.
IMPACT TO AREA:
For more than 50 years, the City of Frederick has faced flocking bird issues that are problematic throughout the City. The offending birds are Starlings and or Crows. The City of Frederick can and has offered a temporary form of relief for many years through the use of pyrotechnics, audio bird distress tapes and minimization/alteration of suitable environment where possible. The most effective time for control is around dusk when these gregarious birds are looking for a roost for the night. These problems begin mid to late summer and may go on well into the winter. We have Public Works staff perform this courtesy patrols for an average of 3 days. There are many other bird control options, but these techniques are approved by the Humane Society and have proven to be effective for the short term. This program was developed in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Division. Please note that the City is not responsible for cleaning up the mess from these unwanted avian.
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