Federal Agency Helps Scare Roosting Crows, Starlings Away From Downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal agency is resuming its efforts to scare crows and starlings away from downtown Indianapolis to prevent them from roosting and becoming a wintertime nuisance.

Staffers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services agency will hold a demonstration Thursday evening north of downtown Indianapolis of the pyrotechnics, lasers and recorded bird warning calls they uses to drive away pest birds.

Business and tourism officials are urged to let visitors know that if they hear the loud sounds produced by the pyrotechnics or see the lasers they're intended to discourage pest birds. USDA staffers will use the bird-dispersing methods periodically this fall and winter.

The droppings of starlings and crows pose potential public health risks and sanitation issues. Their droppings can also damage public spaces, memorials and private property.