Parks and Recreation staff have begun using a variety of noisemakers to discourage migratory cattle egrets from settling in Allen parks and trails. The noisemakers were deployed after citizens reported egret sightings in both Stacy Ridge Park and Celebration Park. Signs will be placed in both parks to inform visitors of noisemaker use.
The environmental impact of a cattle egret nesting site can be devastating, causing health concerns and significant containment, clean-up and restoration costs. However, preventative measures such as noisemakers are designed to make an area less inviting and may discourage migrating egrets from nesting in the targeted area. Because migratory cattle egrets are federally protected, neither cities nor private citizens may enter the nesting area or interfere with the birds once they begin to lay eggs.