In the News

Read about the latest in bird control, geese removal & pigeon deterrent news.


Black Vultures’ Northward Expansion Create Conflicts With Farmers

July 27, 2023

In recent decades, Black Vultures have expanded from the South into the Midwest, north along the Appalachian Mountains, and up the East Coast into Canada. Along their path, they have caused conflicts with farmers, targeting their calves and animals. Local residents have also felt the effects as Black Vultures are known to pull caulk from windows, shingles from roofs, and windshield wipers from cars, as well as occasionally collide with aircraft.

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Black Vulture

European Corvids Are Using “Anti-Bird Spikes” to Make Their Nests

July 26, 2023

A new study has found that Carrion Crows and Eurasian Magpies are using anti-bird spikes as nest building materials. Lead study author and biologist Auke-Florian Hiemstra noted that other studies have revealed that corvids can demonstrate a smart ability to recognize the function and use of different materials. However, researchers are not yet convinced this is safe for the birds, since human-made materials in bird nests can injure other birds and wildlife.

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Magpie nest built with anti-bird spikes

Plane Catches Fire from a Bird Strike

April 28, 2023

An American Airlines flight was recently struck by birds after takeoff, causing engine failure and fire. Thankfully however, the plane was able to safely return to the Columbus International Airport. Bird strikes have become a growing concern, with increased populations of large birds and their inability to hear quieter engines. Deterrents like flares can keep birds away from runways.

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American Airlines flight with engine flame

The Adverse Consequences of Feeding Waterfowl

February 17, 2023

Feeding waterfowl like Canada geese can lead to a multitude of negative outcomes like altering their natural migration patterns, increasing the amount of fecal matter on walkways, and encouraging new habitats, ultimately creating a nuisance for neighbors. This practice can also attract rodents that feed on the leftover food uneaten by waterfowl.

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Waterfowl

Bird Migration Maps

January 18, 2023

Learn about migrating birds, including when, where, and how far birds will migrate and more. Explore these questions by viewing maps on bird migration forecasts, local bird migration, and live real-time migration.

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Live Bird Migration Map

Bears Test Positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

January 7, 2023

Three grizzly bears in the state of Montana have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The bears were in poor condition and subsequently euthanized. The bears, which are the first documented cases of HPAI in grizzlies, likely acquired the virus from consuming infected birds.

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Grizzly Bear

COP15 Conference Addresses the Global Biodiversity Crisis

December 7, 2022

The COP15 conference is officially underway, addressing the global biodiversity crisis. One major proposal that countries will seek to agree on is the “30 by 30” plan that aims to protect 30% of the world’s lands and seas by 2030.

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Rufous Hummingbird

Offshore Wind Lease Sale

December 6, 2022

The first offshore wind lease sale on the North American West Coast is taking place today, signifying a landmark for commercial-scale renewable energy development. Working closely with Department of the Interior, the National Audubon Society will help to ensure that the wind projects are of minimal risk to birds in the ecosystem.

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Cormorants

Electrical Fire Caused by Birds

November 22, 2022

Investigators say that an electrical fire at a Wendy’s restaurant may have been caused by birds. A birds nest was located in the area that the fire started in, where the birds may have caused an electrical malfunction.

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Firefighters Putting Out Chimney Fire

Bird Strikes Military Plane

November 21, 2022

A military C-37 plane left Midway International Airport before hitting a flock of birds shortly after taking off. The left engine could be seen with a spark after hitting a bird, but otherwise there were no other issues as the plane safely returned to the airport.

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Flocking Birds

Avian Influenza Outbreak

November 16, 2022

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has spread through chicken and turkey flocks in 46 states since it was first detected in Indiana on Feb. 8, 2022. The outbreak is also taking a heavy toll in Canada and Europe.

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Avian Flu

Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals

November 1, 2022

While bird flu mainly affects domestic poultry and migratory water birds, it can be transmitted to other mammals like cats and dogs and even to humans through consumption or prolonged exposure to infected animals. If contact with infected or possibly infected animals occurs, monitor your health and call your local health department if symptoms develop.

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Dog and Cat

Lights Out for Migratory Birds

August 27, 2022

As part of a campaign to protect birds, Chicago residents that live in taller buildings have been asked to turn off their lights or draw their blinds at night during this migration season. Lights can disrupt birds’ migratory routes and cause them to repeatedly circle buildings, leading to exhaustion.

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Migration

Electrocuted Birds Can Cause Wildfires

June 29, 2022

Researchers have determined that a high number of wildfires are caused by electrocuted birds, in a study conducted from 2014 to 2018. Birds often rest or nest upon power lines, utility poles, and towers, leading to electrocution.

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Bird on Power Line

Negative Impacts of Light Pollution for Birds

May 13, 2022

For this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, the theme pertains to the harmful effects of light pollution for birds. Migrating birds are attracted to artificial light, which can change their natural patterns of behavior, leading to disorientation, exhaustion, and collisions.

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Hong Kong

Canada Geese Make ISU Their Home

May 13, 2022

Canada geese have made Illinois State University their nesting grounds during the spring season. Many birds have claimed the campus’ plant containers as makeshift homes. Learn more about why these birds are taking residence in populated areas like ISU.

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Nesting Goose at ISU

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Cases Detected

April 26, 2022

Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds have been detected in 33 states, while cases in commercial and small flock poultry and gamebird operations are present in 29 states. Learn about the measures that poultry owners can take to prevent its spread.

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Poultry flock

Deterring Migratory Canada Geese

August 17, 2021

Migratory Canada geese are often year long residents of North Riverside’s Commons Park. Birds that are fed by park visitors have difficulty digesting the food given to them, leading to health issues. To tackle this problem, the team at Wild Goose Chase works with dogs to discourage flocks from landing at the park.

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Dog Chasing Canada Geese

Victory for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

August 11, 2020

The administration’s rollback campaign for the 100-year old Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) was deemed illegal today. The MBTA has historically held companies responsible for their intentional activities that harmed birds, such as ensuring that oil waste pits are covered.

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Great Egret