Bird Droppings... The Councils View
Hi, this is an email received from the council regarding the bird droppings resulting from the roosting starlings on the cranes. Basically, not much they can do, but Sean Brind the Project Manager for the development has once again been helpful in suggesting a compromise, in so much as he has agreed to install decoy measures to try and prevent the birds from landing there in the first place.
Thanks Sean!
The council email:
I am writing in response to your recent enquiry regarding the health concerns posed by bird droppings from starlings roosting on nearby cranes.
Bird droppings can sometimes contain disease and bacteria and where build up of droppings is excessive the ammonia content can affect vegetation and cause damage. However the crane is not a permanent structure in the long term and is not secured in a particular position so the droppings will not always land in the same spot. Starlings are protected as wild birds and a problem would have to be quite severe before taking action.
So whilst there can be associated health concerns I would say that currently the health risks are neglible provided that the residents make sure to wash their hands after cleaning away any of the droppings.
I have also examined the possibility of anti roosting measures being used on the cranes but there is a strong possibility that taking such measures could cause further problems, for e.g. the use of audible bird scarers often create noise problems and the use of netting will adversely affect the operation of the cranes and is inadvisable in these circumstances.
A possibility is the use of a decoy in the form of a predatory bird which may deter the birds from landing.
I have discussed the problem with Sean Brind - Project Manager and he has agreed to install some of these decoys on the crane and see whether they have the desired effect.
I hope this information is of use. Should you wish to discuss the matter further please contact me by telephone. My contact number is 0113 2146 246.
Yours sincerely,
Elaine Saul Technical Officer.
Thanks Sean!
The council email:
I am writing in response to your recent enquiry regarding the health concerns posed by bird droppings from starlings roosting on nearby cranes.
Bird droppings can sometimes contain disease and bacteria and where build up of droppings is excessive the ammonia content can affect vegetation and cause damage. However the crane is not a permanent structure in the long term and is not secured in a particular position so the droppings will not always land in the same spot. Starlings are protected as wild birds and a problem would have to be quite severe before taking action.
So whilst there can be associated health concerns I would say that currently the health risks are neglible provided that the residents make sure to wash their hands after cleaning away any of the droppings.
I have also examined the possibility of anti roosting measures being used on the cranes but there is a strong possibility that taking such measures could cause further problems, for e.g. the use of audible bird scarers often create noise problems and the use of netting will adversely affect the operation of the cranes and is inadvisable in these circumstances.
A possibility is the use of a decoy in the form of a predatory bird which may deter the birds from landing.
I have discussed the problem with Sean Brind - Project Manager and he has agreed to install some of these decoys on the crane and see whether they have the desired effect.
I hope this information is of use. Should you wish to discuss the matter further please contact me by telephone. My contact number is 0113 2146 246.
Yours sincerely,
Elaine Saul Technical Officer.
posted by City Island Residents Group at 2:47 PM
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