In order to prevent cattle egrets from nesting in the City of Allen, predatory bird noise-making devices will be used beginning the week of March 4 at Celebration Park and Stacy Ridge Park.
The noise-making devices are used annually at the parks until the middle of May while the threat of cattle egrets nesting is high.
If cattle egrets are sighted in Allen, the prevention efforts will then switch to the use of “percussive” devices that produce a loud bang. These devices sound similar to fireworks or gunfire and residents should not be alarmed. This measure must begin immediately upon a cattle egret sighting and may not provide an opportunity for advance notification to the surrounding neighborhoods, though communication efforts will be made to keep the public informed.
The devastation caused by large nesting sites such as the ones previously experienced in Allen can be tremendous. In 2013-2014, hundreds of homeowners and families were affected, and the two parks sustained substantial environmental damage, and thousands of dollars in clean-up costs were incurred.
The public can report possible sightings of cattle egrets, night herons or other major migratory bird activity through the City of Allen’s online help desk.