Plant Operations is implementing distress calls and other noisemakers this week in an effort to drive roosting birds from campus. As in previous years, humane methods of dispersal are being used to frighten the birds away without causing harm.
The dispersal efforts are scheduled to continue through Friday, Dec. 21. The noise can be heard at 6 a.m. and around 3 p.m. until dark each day.
Over the past several weeks, an increasing buildup of crows has been observed in the trees along 21st Avenue South and West End Avenue, and in the trees behind the scoreboard at Vanderbilt Stadium. The birds are attracted to Vanderbilt because of the large number of magnolia trees on campus. The trees keep their leaves and berries throughout the winter creating an inviting roosting area for starlings, blackbirds and crows.
The droppings created by these birds pose the threat of histoplasmosis, which can lead to serious respiratory infections.
Contact: Don Hughes
don.hughes@vanderbilt.edu