Migratory Birds

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Migratory Birds: What can YOU do?

Cattle Egret image

Nesting birds, such as herons, egrets, and other nesting birds, bring challenges such as noise, odor, and significant amounts of excrement that cover streets, sidewalks, cars, and mailboxes on public or private property. People may find the birds' chosen nesting areas offensive and a nuisance when birds locate near their homes and businesses. Concerns about possible health hazards, noise, and odors are the most cited complaints.

However, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects these birds and more than 800 birds during migration between the United States and Canada. As a result, the City of Hurst cannot address any complaints while the birds are nesting.

** Not all bird sightings will result in a rookery; there are non-migrating herons in our area.

Report bird sightings to us - Migratory birds including Egrets and Herons

You can report bird sightings to us online with our user friendly form. This form helps us track the birds and potential nesting areas. You can also call the Parks Department at 817-788-7222 or email us.

What can you do before nesting season begins?

Familiarize yourself with "sentry" birds. They are the first to arrive looking for suitable nesting places.
Familiarize yourself with the variety of birds found in Texas. Each species has a different breeding period. Be on the lookout for these birds beginning at these times: February: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron; March: Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret. See pictures below of birds common to this area with basic descriptions.
Nesting season is typically March - October. Pre and post-nesting seasons are typically November - February. Do not kill, harass, relocate, move or attempt to scare away the birds by any means during nesting season.
Download Tips for prevention.

What can you do once birds arrive?

Use a combination of scaring devices before migratory birds lay eggs.
As soon as you see birds on or near your property, begin using scare tactics.
Use noisemakers, water spray or shine lights at night.
Hang "scare eye" balloons or other moving objects in trees.
Use long poles, tennis balls or water hoses to disturb early nesting material.
DO NOT harm birds or eggs. The international treaty prohibits harming birds or eggs.
Once birds begin sitting on nests, eggs are probably present. You cannot kill, harass, move or disturb the birds when they are actively nesting.

What can you do around an established rookery?

Continue routine maintenance of your property (mowing, weed-eating, edging, watering, etc.).
Power wash or spray down your sidewalks, lawns, landscaping, home, etc. to dissipate bird waste.
Contact Hurst Animal Services at 817-788-7216 or Hurst Police Department non- emergency at 817-788-7180 (24 hours a day) to report fallen eggs, injured, or dead birds. Animal Services will pick them up.
PLEASE DO NOT attempt to handle birds, and DO NOT do anything to intentionally disturb the birds or their nests!

What can you do after nesting season ends?

Remove any old, abandoned nests.
Trim your trees. Remove deadwood, and thin tree canopy to allow sunlight between limbs and other trees.
Be a good neighbor, help those with special needs, and/or team up with your neighbors when hiring a tree trimming service, and ask for discount rates for group service.
Be watchful and report these bird arrivals anywhere in your neighborhood in late winter/early spring to the City. They may not be your problem at the time, but that can change quickly!

Common Migratory Birds

Cattle Egret	Yellow-Crowned Night Heron	Snowy Egret

Length: 18 - 22 inches Wingspan: 35 - 38 inches Yellow to orange bill Short, thick neck Hunched posture Yellowish legs Color may change during different times of the year Breed late February - October	Length: 20 - 24 inches Wingspan: 40 - 46 inches Frequently noticed in area heronries or as "scout" birds Light to dark gray body Gray bill Small section of white feathers on top of head and along eyes Long yellow legs Breed March - July	Length 20 - 27 inches Wingspan 41 - 44 inches Frequently noticed in area heronries Bill is thin, long and black Long slender neck Black legs Bright yellow feet Breed March - August
Great Egret	Great Blue Heron	Little Blue Heron

Length 37 - 41 inches Wingspan 48 - 54 inches Frequently noticed in area heronries Large white bird Bill is thin, long and yellow Long slender neck Black/gray legs and feet Breed March - August	Length 45 - 54 inches Wingspan 66 - 79 inches Very large bird Not associated with area heronries Slate blue body Blue/green legs Breed March - July	Length 22 - 29 inches Wingspan 39 - 41 inches Fairly small bird Very dark coloration Greenish legs Pale blue bill with dark tip Breed March - July

To report dead or injured birds:

Hurst Animal Services - 817-788-7216
Hurst Police Department (non-emergency) - 817-788-7180

For additional information contact:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Urban Wildlife Biologist at 972-293-3841, or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Division of Migratory Bird Management at 703-358-1714

Additional Resources

Migratory Bird Education Session

Watch this video to learn more about the birds, their protection and what you can do to prevent a rookery.

* This video was recorded on September 26, 2019. Federal interpretation of the law is subject to change at any time.