Categories for WGC Indy Blogs

Managing Fall Bird Migration Challenges: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

October 26, 2020
Every autumn, from September through November, a natural wonder occurs. Billions of birds from thousands of species travel thousands of miles to get from their breeding grounds to their overwintering areas. As they travel through the US, their strong impact is felt by nearly everyone. Brightly colored birds migrate through... Read More

Why are “Nuisance” Wild Birds Protected?

October 8, 2020
If you have spent any time on a golf course, gone picnicking at a local park or beach, or walked along the shoreline, you may not be surprised to learn that nuisance bird problems are cropping up with increasing intensity across the country. From aggressive geese attacking people and cars,... Read More

How Drought Affects Birds and Bird Management

September 9, 2020
With the Chicago area experiencing what the weather folks call “abnormally dry” conditions, many people’s thoughts turn first to the state of their lawns. But wildlife of all kinds is affected when drought occurs and extended dry spells can significantly shift the delicate balance of the ecosystem. For birds, drought... Read More

Rooftops: An Attractive Stopping Point for Migrating Geese

September 3, 2020
Autumn skies can be a beautiful sight, with flocks of migrating geese silhouetted above a golden blaze of changing leaves. Less scenic however, is the mess these flocks can leave behind when they stop to rest along the way. Unfortunately for many property owners, rooftops present an attractive place for... Read More

Managing Birds is a Community Affair

August 10, 2020
Managing nuisance birds is a difficult undertaking. The power of flight leaves birds far more mobile than many other types of nuisance wildlife and undeterred by property boundaries. Bird conflicts are further complicated by federal laws protecting all native birds (including geese and gulls) and a wide array of other... Read More

The Spreading Chaos of Bird Window Collisions

August 8, 2020
Window collisions kill nearly a billion birds in the U.S. every year. Every window poses a risk and commercial buildings, with their enormous walls of glass, are a particularly dangerous obstacle for migrating birds. For property owners, these tragic bird deaths are compounded by the other problems they create. Fortunately,... Read More

How to Control Canada Geese During Flightless Summer Months

July 23, 2020
Managing Canada geese populations on your property requires special processes in the summer when geese are shedding and replacing their flight feathers. This molting season keeps geese earthbound until their new feathers come in. The process is part of their preparation for migration and even though the subspecies of Canada... Read More

Why Do-it-Yourself Pigeon Projects are For the Birds

July 22, 2020
A well done do-it-yourself project can be a thrilling experience, even beyond the sense of saving a little money. Some “thrills” however, are best left to the professionals. Pigeon control is one of them. Pigeons can hatch up to 16 young per year and those chicks have a strong instinct... Read More

From Scarecrows to Lasers: Keeping Birds from Destroying Crops

July 8, 2020
The scarecrow has a long and colorful resume that goes back 3,000 years and includes stints in both agricultural support and seasonal décor. Traditionally associated with garden-casual attire like floppy hats and straw hair, the modern version takes many creative forms. At a historic farm in rural Pennsylvania recently, the... Read More

The Beginning of July Brings an Unwelcome Gull Surprise

June 24, 2020
Amid heightened concerns of COVID-19, many businesses suspended all non-essential operations, turning instead to remote work. As employees return to brick-and-mortar offices, some property managers may find their roofs inundated with aggressive gulls and foul-smelling droppings. Gulls have readily adapted to our urban areas, especially (but not limited to) our... Read More