City To Discourage Starlings

Efforts to discourage some birds from roosting in downtown Indianapolis are beginning this week.  Every fall and winter starlings and crows move into the city looking for a place to rest at night.  Indianapolis Downtown Inc. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services will once again implement of series of tactics to discourage their roosting. 

The problem is these birds are not native to the area and drive out local species while competing for nest space. Anne Maschmeyer, IDI beautification director, says the birds also pose a possible health risk and damage public spaces.  “We will use pyrotechnics and lasers,” she says.

Maschmeyer says the effort has been successful in Indy with the help of business leaders who inform visitors and residents what the action is all about.  People are also discouraged from feeding any birds during this time.