(CCA) EGRETS AND NIGHT HERONS Egrets and Night Herons have created nesting sites in Copperfield for the last 5 year shutting down pools, mailboxes & creating havoc in our neighborhood. The Egrets and Night Herons WILL be returning in February!! Prevention is Crucial - Egrets, herons and other migratory birds are protected by Federal International Treaty, it’s illegal for residents to harass or harm the birds once they lay eggs. Residents will need to band together and drive them out of our neighborhood for the next several years. Preventing the birds from building nests on residential property or in our parks is key. Use these tactics between now and February. 1. Trim your tree and remove dead wood, these birds favor oak trees and other hardwoods. But will nest in other mature trees as well. Trim your tree canopy to allow sunlight between limbs and other nearby trees. Experts say this is the MOST effective step. 2. Remove any old inactive nest in your trees. February - Egret Prevention Tools! This is the only opportunity homeowners have to scare the birds away and to disrupt the cycle. Any home with mature trees is a potential nesting site.

·         Visual deterrents - Hang aluminum pie plates, Mylar balloons, beach balls with shiny streamers or other moving objects in large trees.

·         Noisemakers - Pump-style air horns, whistles, clappers and even children’s toys are effective. Make as much noise as possible aimed at the bird.

·         Bright lights - High-intensity flashlights, strobe lights, flashing holiday lights can be effective.

·         Water sprayers - Power sprayers and pump-style toy water shooters can help. Homemade PVC pipe sprayers can help reach tall tree limbs.

·         Pool poles - Telescoping pool safety poles can be used to reach and remove early nesting material.

·          Any Non-lethal devices.

·         Check trees daily and remove the start of any nest quickly. Once birds begin sitting on the nest, eggs are probably present and birds cannot be harassed. If you have not yet taken action to prevent nesting on your property, please do so now!