Waxwings Killed in Pigeon Glue
Twenty-three Cedar Waxwings died after they got caught in pigeon repellant. The sticky substance had been applied to the ledges of the Virginia state capitol in Richmond to keep pigeons away. Twenty-two waxwings survived the incident and are recovering at a wildlife rehabilitation center.
According to the linked article, the repellant is legal and apparently was applied properly. Unfortunately, it caught the wrong birds anyway.
Waxwing Kill in Richmond
Greetings: You may wish to read this fm VA DGS?
http://dgs.virginia.gov/InTheNews/CedarWaxwings/tabid/737/Default.aspx
The DGS release does not identify the product used, but it is almost certain that the sticky product was polybutene-based. As a general matter, here is what the prevailing opinion is on the use of polybutene for bird control which is sold under various brand names.
Sticky substances (polybutenes) are sold to discourage pigeons and other birds from landing on treated surfaces, but are not recommend since they can adhere to and foul the feathers of any bird which comes into contact with them, and may be harmful to smaller species. http://www.innolyticsllc.com/new%20pigeon%20pages/pigeon%20pdfs/Integratd_Pig_%20Mngmnt.pdf
Sticky substances (polybutenes) are sold to discourage pigeons and other birds from landing on treated surfaces and are often marketed as "humane." However, The HSUS does not recommend these products because they can adhere to and foul the feathers of pigeons who comes into contact with them, and are even more harmful to smaller species and various "non-target" birds.
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/solving_problems_with_your_wild_neighbors/solving_problems_with_pigeons.html
Tactile deterrents
- Although some people recommend applying sticky repellents such as Tanglefoot Pest Control, Roost-No-More, and Bird Stop to areas where damage is occurring, we are against using them. These products can get on a bird’s plumage, impairing its ability to fly and stay warm. Moreover, they can darken and stain wooden siding and cause dirt to adhere to the surface where they’re applied
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/wp_about/control.html
"Good intentions" do not absolve DGS personnel of liability under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. See pp 17-19, http://www.law.ufl.edu/conservation/pdf/feralcat.pdf Further, the actions of DGS personnel were careless, at best, and the results, dead and injured Cedar Waxwings, forseeable. and predictable, especially at this time of the year.
Peter Doherty
Waxwing Kill in Richmond
Greetings: You may wish to read this fm VA DGS?
http://dgs.virginia.gov/InTheNews/CedarWaxwings/tabid/737/Default.aspx
The DGS release does not identify the product used, but it is almost certain that the sticky product was polybutene-based. As a general matter, here is what the prevailing opinion is on the use of polybutene for bird control which is sold under various brand names.
Sticky substances (polybutenes) are sold to discourage pigeons and other birds from landing on treated surfaces, but are not recommend since they can adhere to and foul the feathers of any bird which comes into contact with them, and may be harmful to smaller species. http://www.innolyticsllc.com/new%20pigeon%20pages/pigeon%20pdfs/Integratd_Pig_%20Mngmnt.pdf
Sticky substances (polybutenes) are sold to discourage pigeons and other birds from landing on treated surfaces and are often marketed as "humane." However, The HSUS does not recommend these products because they can adhere to and foul the feathers of pigeons who comes into contact with them, and are even more harmful to smaller species and various "non-target" birds.
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/solving_problems_with_your_wild_neighbors/solving_problems_with_pigeons.html
Tactile deterrents
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/wp_about/control.html
"Good intentions" do not absolve DGS personnel of liability under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. See pp 17-19, http://www.law.ufl.edu/conservation/pdf/feralcat.pdf Further, the actions of DGS personnel were careless, at best, and the results, dead and injured Cedar Waxwings, forseeable. and predictable, especially at this time of the year.
Peter Doherty