Why is there no contigency plan in place?

Why does the City of Carrollton not have a contingency plan in place to make sure Heron and Egrets do not nest in or near residential neighborhoods? This question really bothers me. The Woodlands has a plan. Van Buren AR has a plan. Why do we not?

You would think after the "bone head" decision by someone to plow down the Rookery in 1998 and moving another one  in 2005 their would be. The City Manager himself took steps to keep them from nesting in the trees at his lake house.

Why was there nothing in place to protect the citizens? There are several individuals in our neighborhood who have respiratory issues. The dander from the birds is outrageous. The smell is overwhelming. The diseases they carry are numerous.

I think we need a explanation as to why and what they will do for the future...don't you?

We went and voted today...

Well we went out and participated in early voting today for the two open spots on the City Council. We made our voice heard!

The birds are still in the trees creating a health risk and destroying property. Thank goodness we covered the mailbox with Press N Seal. It is SO gross! We will not be getting mail by the end of the month. I don't even want to touch the mailbox.

The smell is horrible and will only get worse with the hotter it gets. Animal Control has us on a rotation two times a day. They miss some of the birds since they blend in with the droppings.

I also found out some other good information I am working on to help out the neighborhood and will provide details at a later date...

The Texas Commision on Enviromental Quality

Well I spoke with Sid with TCEQ regarding the water quality for our lake. He has spoken with the City and they know how they are suppose to clean the streets. If the rain washes it into the lake it is a natural occurrence. If we do it is a findable offense... how's that work?

So many birds

Spoke with a animal control officer and found out they have picked up over 17 live birds so far. They had to start taking them to another wildlife rescue because the first has been overwhelmed. I am unsure on this number but I think there has been around 50 dead so far.

There is still broken eggs, dead fish, regurgitation and droppings covering the streets. The City is holding steadfast that they will not clean the streets until the birds are gone. How wonderful...not!

We are being forced to be prisoners in our own homes due to birds. This is not what the Migratory Bird Treaty Act intended.

Shame on all the government officials who have let this happen. Remember what you put out there is what you get back...just saying.

Our opinion doesn't matter...

Some of our neighbors were just told by a candidate in the run off elections for City Council that the pulled the voter logs for our neighborhood. We did not have enough of a turn out to warrant help and our opinions did not matter. How wonderful is that? In the past the entire Council was recalled due to how they treated citizens. It may need to happen again. I thought because we were citizens we have a voice and our opinion matters. Can't wait for everyone to know...

More news coverage...

The Dallas Morning News article was in the paper today. It was the cover story in the metro section.

Channel 11 News Carol Cavazos also came out and did a news story that ran on the 10 o'clock news.

We spoke before the council and meet a few more of the neighbors. We received a notice on the door that they are going to clean the street when the birds are gone. It also had tips on how we could protect ourselves.

Does anyone in the City talk to each other or read what they put out???

I learned a new word yesterday...

Depredation. This is a well hidden secret on the US Fish and Wildlife Service's site. If you are having problems with nuisance birds this is the page for you.

Depredation permits are issued to allow the take of migratory birds which are causing serious damage to public or private property, pose a health or safety hazard, or are damaging agricultural crops or wildlife. For technical advice and information regarding hazing and harassment techniques, contract your local office of USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services. Should it be necessary to apply for a permit to kill a limited number of birds, documentation from their office that they have offered advice in the non-lethal control of birds is required as part of our application information. No permit is required merely to scare or herd depredation migratory birds other than endangered or threatened species or bald and golden eagles.