Each year Carrollton has faced a special challenge in managing the effects of egrets and herons nesting in our community's residential areas. Initially only a few birds are noticed, but suddenly hundreds of birds moved in and began building nests for the nesting season. These birds arrive during the early spring (March and April). 

Although this natural cycle can be beautiful, the challenges associated can be overwhelming. These concerns relate to noise, odor and significant amounts of excrement that covers streets, sidewalks, cars, mailboxes and other public and private property.

City staff is unable to address any of these issues while the birds are nesting due to their "protected" status provided by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The City needs the help of its residents to address this challenge proactively. We encourage you to take the steps below to protect your trees and to remain vigilant in observing bird activity in your neighborhood:

• Thin tree canopy to allow sunlight to shine between limbs and other trees
• Remove old nesting material
• Use reflective tape, scare-eye balloons or other visual deterrents to make your trees less attractive to migratory birds in search of viable nesting sites
• If you notice egrets or herons in your trees, use water hose or signal horns to scare birds from the trees
• Beginning in February/March report ALL egret and heron activity to Animal Services at 972-466-3420 or by clicking here.