Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello Stephen:

Hi Stephen:

Sorry, I should have noted that it's a Northern Flicker .. rather commonplace.

As for the nests, they had been abandoned and there had been no activity for almost a year. Then one day they/it came back--and have been at every day. Before adding the coat hanger obstructions the tapping was relentless! This has now been going on for a couple of weeks--though, as noted before, it has tapered off somewhat both in terms of frequency and intensity (which I'm attributing to the hangers).

I'll check the site you recommended, but welcome any thoughts you might have based on these additional details.

Thanks again!

Doug & Laura

After moving into our house I discovered two locations where birds had broken through the screen vent coverings and built nests in the attic.

I replaced all missing and weak screening with new heavy duty screening. However, the birds are back--pecking maniacally at the covers and surrounding wood which has created cosmetic, but no real structural damage.

After many attempts to shoo them away failed, we brought out the bb gun--but as soon as we can get close enough to take a shot they fly off until we leave and then they're back at it!

By the way, these holes are very hard to access due to their height and the uneven hill terrain on that side of the house--so attacking from the outside is rather difficult. The vent holes are also in a sheltered location and would be very hard to reach from the roof as well.

My next thought was to push coat hangers out through the wire meshing covers (from the inside). This has worked only so-so. The pecking has definately decreased (maybe one short assault in the morning, and one at day's end -- but not the all day onslaught). Unfortunately I can't really get the wires to fan out--they are definately creating an obstruction, but the birds can still attach to the sides and peck.

My guess is that the bird(s) are trying to return to their "ancesteral home" -- and that if we can just break the cycle for this year we're home free.

Any thoughts on a better solution? (Keep in mind exterior access is nearly impossible.)

Other ideas we had were:

1) Mounting mirrors against the holes so that the birds think they see another bird already in the hole.

2) Blinking Christmas lights sticking out of the holes. (By the way, the holes are only about 3" wide.)

3) One of those infared devices--if they actually work.

4) Removing the screens and laying wait until they come and then shooting them. Once in they're trapped and would be easy to pick off.

Do any of these seem promising? Or, should I take the decreased activity as a sign that they are already on the move?

And lastly, I've said "birds" as I've seen several of the same kind in the area. But it's possible it's just one.

Thanks in advance for any insight and advice you can offer.

Doug & Laura



Answer -
Well the first problem is whether the birds you are trying to "shoot" are federally protected. Since there are only 3 birds which aren't "pigeon, starling and house sparrow" you need to make sure.
Second, I wouldn't have ever advised you to secure a building unless you were certain that all the animals inside were actually gone. Assuming that you got them all out, then you are simply dealing with birds who want to get back to the home they built. You would too if someone locked you out of your house. :)  You didn't mention how many days this behavior was going on, but I would suspect that it will diminish in time even if you do nothing.

without knowing the species, it is foolish to go into great detail on control. Otherwise, options are trapping, shooting, frightening devices or exclusion. The latter isn't an option as you said it is too difficult to get to the building.
I would suggest visiting http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu and you will find a lot of information there beyond what I have suggested.
Do you have any photos. They could help. my e-mail is [email protected]

Answer
We'll knowing its a woodpecker makes a HUGE difference. Unfortunately, you say you can't get to the exterior of the house so a lot of the harassment non-lethal methods seem out of reach. But you really need to find a way to get to the house. I would suggest mylar tape, scare eye balloons, netting, all the things suggested on my woodpecker page at http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/solutions.htm   click on woodpeckers.