Starlings have invaded Westover!

Thanks Dan and Kathy Hooven for an update on the STARLING ISSUE.

For about 3 weeks now, those of us on the very eastern end of Westover (especially residents at the east end of Stephens Crossing and Friars Court) have been inconvenienced by growing numbers of starlings that come in from the west at dusk to roost in the thickets of bamboo along the eastern perimeter of Westover. We have seen migrating birds roost here temporarily in years past, but never the duration and quantity like this year. This year, the starlings surely number in the thousands and we are becoming increasingly concerned that they may not be simply migrating but instead could take up a more permanent residence here.

The starlings are an impressive natural sight when they come in at dusk. At times, the sky blackens with the volume of birds … the sheer numbers are amazing. And true to starling form, the flocks perform synchronized aerial acrobatics, reminiscent of what we’ve all occasionally seen schools of fish do on one of those National Geographic specials. But there is a downside to this awesome natural spectacle ... BIRD DROPPINGS (… and “droppings” is an understatement … I don’t even want to begin thinking of the work my neighbors and I have ahead of us cleaning siding, windows, cars, driveways, sidewalks, decks, porches, patios, grills, playgrounds, etc.).

I have been talking with the PA Game Commission (http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/) and the USDA Wildlife Services (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/state_office/pennsylvania_info.shtml) about our problem with the starlings. Both confirm that, although starlings are prolific and cannot be eradicated, they can be displaced with some effort … effectively making our problem someone else’s problem. The efforts begin with using measures such as noise and light to disrupt the birds’ roosting patterns. If these tactics, are not effective, the USDA may (for a fee) come in and fog the area with a non-toxic repellant. If fogging is ineffective, the final recommendation is to remove the roost (… in our case, have all the bamboo removed from the Westover perimeter). First things first …

For the past few nights, a few of us who have been most inconvenienced by this proliferation of starlings have taken to some basic measures of disrupting roosting patterns. We have been outside blowing whistles, banging trash can lids, and creating what noise we can to deter the birds from settling in for the night. Over the next week or so and under the advice of the PA Game Commission and the USDA Wildlife Services, we plan to take up more advanced measures. Both agencies have recommended the use of 12 Gauge Shell Crackers (also known as “Bangers”). These “bangers” are fired into the sky from a shotgun and explode at about 200 feet in the air … the explosions are loud (much like the sound of M-80 fireworks) but harmless, and they are only used to scare the birds away. The Game Commission has provided a few rounds for my personal use and the USDA as offered assistance with obtaining more as necessary. The Game Commission suggests only one or two per night may be needed to deter flocks from roosting in the immediate area (although the USDA suggests more rounds per night may be necessary).

The Hampden Township Police are fully aware of our problem with the starlings and our plan to use the “Bangers” in an effort to move the birds along. The Game Commission has discussed the plan with the Hampden Township Police. I will be calling the Police Department each night around dusk and just prior to commencing our “operations” so that the police then may ready to reassure any concerned neighbors. Per advice from the state and federal agencies involved, we expect these noise-related scare tactics may take as little as a few nights or as long as a few weeks. In the meantime, please let me know if you or any of our Westover neighbor have any questions or concerns.