When Good Birds Go Bad: Why Bird Damage and Attacks Occur
Mar 7, 2023
Birds contribute many benefits to the human experience, both economically and socially. They improve our mental health, provide insect control and pollination and are the source of a multi-billion industry built around bird watching and feeding.
It’s not all birdsong and beauty however. Birds do a striking amount of damage to human structures and property. They are also increasingly aggressive toward people. What is it that makes good birds go bad? Here are three contributing factors to conflicts between birds and humans.
1. We Create the Perfect Nesting Habitats
Our buildings, yards, gardens, and decorative ponds provide birds with everything they could want in a nesting territory. Those nooks and crannies, rooftops, garden planters and even signs are all prime nesting sites, relatively safe from predators and close to food sources. But when birds shove grasses and mud into building crannies, deposit copious amounts of nesting materials onto rooftops, and destroy landscaping to create the perfect nest bowl, the damage can be expensive.
2. We Provide Them with Food
Decorative plants like flowering crabapples are popular with geese and other birds. Flowers that go to seed are also a source of food for birds. Even building materials can attract birds, by drawing the insects that birds like to eat. Wooden buildings bring woodpeckers looking for dormant larvae from the original tree. Agriculture, crops, and fisheries can also suffer damage when birds decide to help themselves to the feast.
Damage to wood siding caused by woodpeckers looking for grubs.
3. Birds Are Protecting Their Young
Many bird species choose nesting locations near human dwellings because it keeps other predators at bay. However, birds see us as a predator too, so once those nests are built and eggs are laid, humans are no longer welcome in their own territory. Aggression increases, especially by species like Canada Geese, Gulls, and Red-winged Blackbirds. Some birds, like nesting geese, become more comfortable – and more aggressive – the longer they have been using a particular nesting site.
Professional Help with Your Bird Conflicts
Bird conflicts don’t have to leave you pulling out your hair – or your landscaping. With professional help, careful planning and biology-based solutions, your bird conflicts can be managed – and even prevented.
At Wild Goose Chase, our team of bird experts start with a careful assessment of your property and a plan customized by species, season and setting.
To learn why so many commercial, agricultural and residential property owners rely on our services and solutions, reach out to a member of the Wild Goose Chase team today.
A sign warning visitors of the aggressive red-winged blackbirds nesting in the area.
Regardless of what nuisance issue birds are causing on your property, we are here to help! Contact us today for a free site assessment!
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