Fort Worth has become a hotspot for large colonies of nesting egrets. While they may look beautiful from a distance, these federally protected birds can create serious problems for neighborhoods:
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Thick layers of droppings on roofs, sidewalks, trees, and cars
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Overwhelming odor from accumulated waste
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Damage to roofs, landscaping, and vehicles
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Costly cleanup and even full roof replacements
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Pools and yards requiring constant cleaning
While city staff is unable to take action once the birds begin nesting due to their protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the good news is that you can prevent them from ever settling in.
Prevention starts long before they arrive. Use the seasonal guide below to make your property less attractive to egrets and help protect your neighborhood:
Seasonal Guide to Nesting Bird Prevention (open below)
Seasonal guide to nesting birds
October – January: Early Prevention
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Remove Old Nests: Check your trees for abandoned nests and safely dispose of them to prevent reuse.
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Trim Trees (Best in January): Thin out dense canopies and remove deadwood. Egrets prefer trees with thick cover. Aim for less than 70% canopy density.
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Yard Cleanup: Pick up twigs and branches that birds use to build nests. This is a simple, cost-effective step.
Reminder: Egrets prefer mature trees with dense canopy. Pruning and clearing can significantly reduce nesting interest.
January – Early March: Sentry Bird Awareness
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Watch for Early “Scout” Birds: Species like yellow-crowned night herons often arrive early to claim territory.
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Report Sightings: Alert your neighbors or neighborhood association if you see early arrivals. Early action makes a big difference.
February – March: Active Monitoring & Deterrence
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Deter Nesting: Use these humane methods before eggs are laid:
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Remove Early-Stage Nests: If there are no eggs, nests can be safely taken down using a pole or water hose.
Important: Once eggs are present, do NOT disturb the nest. Migratory birds are federally protected, and interfering with active nests is illegal.
Species to Watch For:
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February: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
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March: Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret
Need to Dispose of Dead Birds?
Solid Waste crews will collect bagged dead birds placed at the curb Monday through Saturday. For assistance, call 817-392-1234.
Stay Proactive, Stay Legal
By preparing early and staying vigilant, you can prevent egrets from nesting in your area while respecting federal laws. Spread the word to your neighbors. Community-wide prevention is the most effective strategy.