HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10560INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 21-10560
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 6, 2021
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SUBJECT: EGRETS IN THE CANDLERIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Texas is a major route for migratory birds, including Egrets, that travel between South America
and United States/Canada twice a year. This annual event provides many wonderful benefits, but
can also impact residential, commercial and industrial properties when Egret nesting occurs. The
nesting birds bring challenges such as noise, odor and significant amounts of excrement covering
streets, sidewalks, cars and mailboxes on public and private property.
Egrets have protected status under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Per the Treaty Act,
persons cannot kill, harass, move or disturb the birds during nesting season. Therefore, the best
course of action is to educate residents to report bird sightings and to make residential areas
uninviting for nesting.
Currently, we are in the pre-nesting season for birds and City staff are actively working with
residents and neighborhood associations to identify birds and discourage nesting which is
permitted by the Treaty (not permitted after established nesting/nests are made). In addition, last
year, the Code Compliance Department applied for and received a permit from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service that will give City staff increased methods for nonlethal avoidance and
minimization measures which should help in displacing nuisance birds.
A few egrets and herons have already been observed in the Candleridge and Summerfields
neighborhoods and staff continues to actively work with residents in these areas. Listed below is
the action city staff is taking to address the egret situation.
• Presentations at Candleridge community meetings (virtual) with Code Compliance and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to educate residents.
• Code Compliance published articles/posts in City News (03/25/2021), NextDoor
(03/29/2021) and Community Engagement Bulletin (04/01/2021)
• Residents can report egret / heron sightings via the wildlife section on the MyFW app.
• City staff and residents are utilizing air cannons and other measures to move birds
along and prevent nesting in residential neighborhoods and city parks.
• If nesting occurs, staff will continue to work with residents to minimize the effects of
nesting birds.
• Code Compliance and the Park & Recreation staffs continue to monitor the situation
and provide information to the residents.
If additional information is needed, please contact Brandon Bennett, Code Compliance Director,
at (817) 392-6322.
David Cooke
City Manager