Keeping Egrets Away: Tips to Protect Your Property

Published on February 25, 2025

Fort Worth has become a hotspot for large colonies of nesting egrets. While they may look cool from a distance, they can cause a lot of mess — think white droppings and feathers covering roofs, trees, sidewalks and cars. And we can't overlook the overwhelming odor that comes with it. But here’s the good news: Preventing egrets from setting up shop starts long before they show up. Here’s how you can get your property ready and keep those birds from nesting near your home.

October - January: Early Prevention

• Remove Old Nests: Inspect trees for old, abandoned nests and remove them to prevent new birds from using the same site.
• Trim Trees: Thin tree canopies and remove deadwood to create less attractive nesting sites for egrets. Aim for less than 70% canopy cover.
• Egrets prefer mature trees with dense canopy cover for nesting. Trim your trees before the birds arrive to make them less inviting.

January: Recognize “Sentry” Birds

• Identify Sentry Birds: Early-arriving birds like egrets act as scouts, searching for nesting sites. Learn to identify them and monitor your yard.

February - March: Active Monitoring

• Report Bird Sightings: If you spot sentry birds, alert your neighbors to take action.
• Watch for Specific Species:

February: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

March: Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret

• Monitor Trees: Check daily for birds or nesting materials. Early intervention is key.
• Deter Nesting: Use noisemakers, water spray or bright lights at night to scare birds away. Remove early-stage nests (without eggs) using poles or water hoses.

Important: Do NOT Disturb Nests with Eggs. Migratory birds are protected by law. Once eggs are laid, it is illegal to disturb the nest.

Harassment Techniques (Before Nesting)

• Water Spray: Gently spray water to discourage birds without causing harm.
• Remove Early Nesting Materials: Gently take down early-stage nests made of twigs and branches (but leave nests with eggs alone). 

By staying proactive, monitoring your property and following these guidelines, you can prevent egrets from nesting while respecting local, state and federal laws.

To learn more, visit the city website on Migratory Birds