More →]]> For the state of Oregon, the answer to bird control is using fireworks. You read that right. Fireworks.

House Bill 2432 has been approved by The Oregon House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources to expand the use of using fireworks as active bird control management.

Right now, the bill exists to use fireworks to protect crops and forest products. With an expansion of the bill, fireworks would be used to protect golf courses, landfills, airports and seafood facilities, as well as other properties and buildings as necessary.

Previously, the State Fire Marshall was issuing permits to scare off birds in these places but in 2010, legislation noted that it’s not included in the bill. So the house in process now would move to make fireworks legal.

Animal advocates are concerned about the use of fireworks injuring the birds and other animals in the area. As are we! Fireworks aren’t really a safe and humane way to deter birds from hanging out. If you ask us, there are plenty of other bird deterrent systems that would work!

According to the Audubon, 5,000 red-winged blackbirds died as a result of illegal fireworks in 2010. The startled birds were disoriented in the darkness causing them to collide with trees, cars and buildings. Plus birds can get severe burns and injuries from the chemicals in fireworks, often affecting their abilities to fly, if they aren’t immediately killed. They can also suffer gastrointestinal problems if parts of the fireworks are ingested. And, to top it all off, birds can also suffer hearing loss due to the noise.

Fortunately, the bill is still pending in the house while legislation further discusses it and makes any possible additions.

Any situations with roosting birds should be dealt by humanely relocating the birds without causing damage to any proprieties or harming the bird.

More →]]> On any given day in downtown Springfield, Ohio, there are more crows than people. And it’s becoming a growing concern.

In fact, according to city officials- they’re everywhere! And it doesn’t look like the crows want to leave anytime soon.

With fields surrounding the county, crows have always had a longtime home there. But Roger Sherrock, CEO of the Clark County Historical Society, said that crows have been roosting downtown by the thousands for the last three years.

He even said he estimates that 50,000 crows gather downtown at a time! Now, that’s a lot of birds!

Businesses are beginning to lose hope that something can be done about the roosting. Since bird guano is very acidic, it corrodes surfaces and it has been leaving damage to buildings across the city. Not to mention the amount of bacteria that gets left behind.

Officials have tried several inhumane bird deterrence methods from noise devices to laser pointers with little success.

It’s hard to guess why the birds have congregated there, but Federal Wildlife has said some possible reasons are that the birds are safe from predators in the city and that rural areas are warmer in the winter.

In order to resolve their roosting problem, officials will need to understand how these crows think! And who better than BirdMaster!?

More →]]> Nestled in Silver Spring, Maryland sits a memorial honoring environmental advocate, Rachel Carson.

The Carson Memorial displays thick glass panels etched with the words of Carson’s most memorable writings.

Most famous for her 1963 book, Silent Spring, the advocate’s memorial is causing quite a stir. The book strongly detailed the affects, and her opinions, on pesticides and songbirds. But according to Steve Lapham, who works in the town, her very memorial is what’s damaging to the birds.

Lapham claims the memorial’s glass panels are taking the lives of birds that simply think they can fly right through. Donald Hague, the president of Home Properties who constructed the memorial, seems to think otherwise.

The American Bird Conservancy said that birds are more likely to avoid windows that have vertical stripes that are four inches apart, or horizontal stripes that are 2 inches apart or less. Something that Lapham doesn’t think the construction appealed to.

Each year, it’s estimated that 300 million to 1 billion birds die each year due to a bird striking glass on buildings or landmarks. Birds can’t process how reflection works, so seeing trees in the glass means a continuation of the landscape; essentially, glass is invisible to the bird’s eye.

The fall is when birds begin their migrations and bird strikes are very common during this season. Any architect should know the importance of protecting a memorial or other historical landmark, from wildlife such as pest birds.

BirdMaster knows just what to it takes to humanely protect architectural work from birds!

More →]]> After a devastating earthquake 25 years ago that ruined a section of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the bridge has finally been restored. But it seems that the old bridge section, won’t be demolished anytime soon.

The old section is filled with 800 double-breasted cormorants that have nested there and have made it obvious they would rather not relocate. City officials have spent time with decoys, bird recordings and even built special manmade nests underneath the new bridge section to try to lure to the birds over.

But taxpayers are not happy about it. It’s estimated that they’ve already spent $33 million to try to relocate the birds- a very difficult feat, especially after they’ve settled!

It’s likely that the bridge will stay in place long past February as well, because demolition of the bridge section will be halted when the birds start laying eggs. Officials are planning to have the Bay Bridge finished by 2018 if they can relocate the birds.

The city is also thinking about installing bird control netting so the avian population doesn’t increase any more than it already has.

“If we don’t do this our penalties could far exceed the cost, so we’re in a balancing act,” said Leah Robinson, a spokesperson of the California Department of Transportation.

Since cities are developing fast, there is a constant problem with finding natural nesting sites, and transportation bridges are becoming a prime option for birds. They love bridges because it provides reliable food sources and protection from predators.

The San Francisco bridge is currently home to 533 nests and by demolishing the bridge, the nests would be destroyed too, leaving those protected birds without a home.

It is important that nesting on manmade structures, such as this, do not take place, so prevention is key! Birds are better suited in their natural habitats and time and money are needed to relocate the birds without harm.

BirdMaster safely protects architecture and bridges from pest birds and gives them a chance to remain in nature!

More →]]> Each year, thousands of farmers use pesticides to eliminate certain pests- such as bugs. But those chemicals might be affecting birds too.

Neonicotinoids, a common pesticide made from nicotine, may be hurting birds more than we think. The pesticide will kill off bugs that certain birds need to eat. Without the bugs, birds are starving. Not to mention the effects of eating bugs that have been affected by the chemicals.

Christy Morrissey, an ecotoxicologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon in Canada, discovered that last year about 90% of all prairie potholes were laced with small amounts of Neonicotinoids. Meaning, that the chemicals from the pesticide will often stay in the soil and can wash into water by rain or snow.

Through her study, Morrissey noted that chemicals that are designed to kill should only last to kill the pest and then subside and not reside in the ground.

Currently, Morrissey is studying how the levels of the pesticide affect the insects in the ground and how this will affect the tree swallows that live in the nearby area. While it’s a long-term study, she’s already learned that the tree swallows are delayed in laying their eggs and the chicks aren’t hatching as healthy. A study done but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that sparrows have difficulty flying after consuming the chemicals on seeds.

Similarly, a study by Casper Hallmann at the Institute for Water and Wetland Research at Radboud University in the Netherlands, has published work regarded the decline in insect-eating birds in land areas where Neonicotinoids are high.

Those involved with the study are asking that farmers only use pesticides on their crops when absolutely necessary and not as a daily occurrence.

According to the American Bird Conservancy, on average American Crows, Dickcissels, Bobolinks are at risk for direct contact with pesticides. But other birds, such as falcons, eagles, owls and hawks are also highly at risk due to feeding on poisoned animals.

But pesticides are not only affecting birds through bug repellents but there are lines of pesticides specifically designed for birds as well. There are tactile chemical repellents that claim to be nontoxic to birds, such as different sprays and gels. The repellents are used to create a warming sensation on the bird’s feet where they can get irritated with the area and don’t return. Bird Control companies also offer different types of taste repellents. These include some sprays that can be applied to crops or any problem areas, which will alter a bird’s taste buds for the worse, resulting in less damage. Liquid repellents containing certain chemicals will create a sticky or tacky gel on a surface as a way to rid your pest birds. Any of these options can be harmful to the bird’s health. Chemicals in the pesticides can poison or injure birds and rapidly decrease their population.

At BirdMaster, we know that certain birds can be a hindrance on our historic architecture. We also know that pesticides are never the answer. Through the use of different netting systems and other humane bird control options, BirdMaster can actively protect architecture from pest birds without harming the bird or the ecosystem.

More →]]> When we look into a mirror, we see our reflection- birds don’t.

According to The National Audubon Society birds don’t understand the concept of reflection.  They often think the trees reflected in a window are a continuation of the landscape. Which is why birds often fly full speed ahead into glass surfaces. Increasingly, birds are coming into contact with windows of buildings and homes and the outcome is usually fatal. Injured birds will often die from internal bleeding. They never had a chance.

Birds have also been known to fly into windows because they are protecting a nearby nest and the reflection of themselves in the glass is taken to be a threat. This reason usually doesn’t have a high mortality rate though, since birds are often caught attacking the window, pecking at it with their beaks.

But however rare you might think a bird strike is, each year in the United States, it’s estimated that one billion birds are killed after colliding with buildings and up to 125 species of birds are affected depending on the area. Songbirds have the highest risk of flying into windows, yet hummingbirds, woodpeckers, kingfishers and woodcocks all have recorded deaths as well.

So what’s being done about it?

Organizations like The National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy are taking a stand and fighting to get developers and architects to understand the importance of the situation.

Most recently, the Minnesota Audubon, a branch of the National Audubon Society, is warning that the new proposed stadium in Minneapolis for the Minnesota Vikings is a “death trap” for migrating birds. Each spring and fall birds fly directly through the stadium area as part of their migratory route. The society claims the almost all glass layout of the stadium is going to create a lot of problems.

The project managers of the new stadium are still in the planning stages with developers so they have plenty of time to adjust to bird-safe design elements for the building. While there are options to prevent bird strike occurrences after completion, such as adhesives, tape or even signs, those are unsightly and often damage the exterior of the building. In the long run, developers can save money if a bird-safe plan is executed before construction starts.

At Birdmaster, we can provide a Bird Control Risk Assessment Consultancy Service, which will help developers and architects to create a blueprint of a layout that is accommodating to any problem areas for birds.

More →]]> No matter where you come from, living in New York City is a dream come true. Imagine living in a luxurious, state of the art apartment building in Manhattan, facing the “most famous and beloved urban park in the world.”

Owned initially by the Clarks, the same owners of the reputable Dakota, The Langham has much more to offer than just wealth and opulence. It is history! Built at a cost of $2 million, this New York landmark contains 13 floors, 54 units and has been part of the Upper West Side/Central Park West local historic district since 1982.

Did You Know?
Irving Bloomingdale, son of the founder of the famous store, was one of the first tenants.

The Langham, located at 135 Central Park West, gains its prestigious architectural appearance, by projecting French and Italian influences. Designed by renowned architects Charles W. Clinton and William Hamilton Russell, the building was fully completed and opened for rental in 1907, exhibiting a stunning facade composed of brick, limestone, terra cotta and ironwork. However, due to its ornamented Beaux-Arts elements and prime location, The Langham has also been a favorite spot for nesting birds.

Knowing that birds can severely deteriorate the structure and cause permanent damage to the façade stonework, BirdMaster was trusted to take part in The Langham’s most recent restoration. By installing humane bird control systems, BirdMaster protected the building structure and insured that birds were safe, flying freely in their natural habitat!

And the result? Award-winning!

Thanks to the The New York Landmarks Conservancy, for offering to BirdMaster the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, and for recognizing BirdMaster’s dedication, product quality and hard work!

More →]]> American bird control company, BirdMaster, is proud to celebrate 25 years of protecting the nation’s architectural and historic treasures from pest bird infestations. The company started in 1989 and has proved itself to be a solid business though the years, as it survived many economic ups and downs. With its unique systems, proprietary materials and installation methods, BirdMaster has redefined bird control. It is the harmless, environmentally-friendly approach, together with its understanding of the psychology of birds, that brought the company to work on; bridges, stadiums, hospitals, museums, hotels, office buildings, theatres, and retail establishments, just to name a few.

It’s no secret why BirdMaster is chosen time and time again to work on such prestigious and historic renovations. Carl Jay, Project Manager at Shawmut Design & Construction, is the project manager who chose BirdMaster to work on Phillip’s Academy in Andover, MA. Upon completion of the job, Carl said,

“The job is magnificent and the owner couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Your specialized expertise in bird proofing landmark structures surely helped us complete this project with an absolute minimum of intervention to the existing building. It was this level of skill and quality that made this project such a success.”

Over the last quarter-century, BirdMaster has built a rich portfolio which includes: The Statue of Liberty, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and a legion of other prestigious and historic landmarks. “If the bird deterrence work is visible from street level it’s not a BirdMaster installation”, says John Pace, President of BirdMaster. That’s a major reason why the company is an award-winning provider of humane bird deterrent systems and now with their new consulting service they are planning to go even further.

More →]]> There has been a lot of talk about the effects of wind turbines used for harvesting electricity and their effects on wild bird populations. Unfortunately, wind turbines do, in fact, kill a number of birds annually. But as studies show, wind turbines are responsible for a very small portion of unnatural bird deaths. They kill relatively few birds compared to other factors such as:

• Cats (domestic & feral) kill hundreds of millions of birds annually in the US
• Power lines kill over 130 million
• Windows kill over 100 million
• Pesticides kill about 70 million
• Automobiles kill over 60 million
• Communication towers kill over 40 million

Experts affirm that 30% of all bird deaths are due to natural causes, like baby birds falling from nests, while about 0.1% of all unnatural bird deaths in the United States each year are blamed on birds colliding with Wind Turbines. So in reality, to save our bird populations and lower their mortality rates, it would take more than simply banishing the wind turbines all together. The American Bird Conservancy recommends implementing careful siting considerations, mitigating operation and construction hazards, avian monitoring, and compensation to reduce and redress unavoidable bird mortality and habitat loss. Zero turbine-related bird deaths would be the ideal scenario but that’s an unrealistic goal as far as energy production goes.

For now, let’s look forward to smarter placement of wind turbines and more bird-friendly design in order to further reduce the number of bird deaths resulting from one of the best eco-friendly energy sources available today.

Let’s protect the birds, as BirdMaster does. Constant research has led us to provide humane avian control solutions that ensure birds are always safe and never harmed. They simply fly away to their natural habitat!

Together we can keep the birds safe!

More →]]> Spix’s Macaw

Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), also known as the Little Blue Macaw, is a Brazilian macaw and the only small blue macaw. It is a member of Arini tribe in the subfamily Arinae (Neotropical parrots), part of the family Psittacidae (the true parrots). It was first described by German naturalist Georg Marcgrave, when he was working in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil in 1638 and it is named for German naturalist Johann Baptist von Spix, who collected a specimen in 1819 on the bank of the Rio São Francisco in northeast Bahia in Brazil.

Hawaiian Crow

The Hawaiian Crow or ʻAlalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) is a species of bird in the crow family, Corvidae. It is about the size of the Carrion Crow at48–50 centimeters (19–20 in) in length, but with more rounded wings and a much thicker bill. It has soft, brownish-black plumage and long, bristly throat feathers; the feet, legs and bill are black. SomeNative Hawaiians consider the Hawaiian Crow an ʻaumakua (family god).

Kakapo

The Kakapo, also called owl parrot, is a species of large, flightless, nocturnal, ground dwelling parrots of the super-family Strigopoidea endemic to New Zealand. It has finely blotched yellow-green plumage, a distinct facial disc of sensory, vibrissa-like feathers, a large grey beak, short legs, large feet, and wings and a tail of relatively short length. It is also possibly one of the world’s longest-living birds. Like many other New Zealand bird species, the Kakapo was historicallyimportant to the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, appearing in many of their traditional legends and folklore.

Brazilian Merganser

The Brazilian Merganser, Mergus octosetaceus, is a duck in the typical merganser genus. It is one of the six most threatened waterfowlin the world with possibly fewer than 250 birds in the wild and none kept in captivity. The origin of its name is from its long, sharp-edged beak that has a great number of teeth-looking edges.

California Condor

The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is a New World vulture, the largest North American land bird. This condor became extinct in the wild in 1987 (all remaining wild individuals were captured) but has been reintroduced to northern Arizona and southern Utah (including the Grand Canyon area and Zion National Park), coastal mountains of central and southern California, and northern Baja California. Although other fossil members are known, it is the only surviving member of the genus Gymnogyps.