Page 10 - August 2019 Final

MR . CROW STRIKES AGAIN!

By Rashawnda Atkinson

Please remember not to feed the crows or to have bird feeders on the balconies. Otherwise they’ll keep coming back for more!

Mary Kruger wrote about her ongo- each year. Crows are among the most Also, please DON’T feed the birds on
ing battle with the crows leaving a intelligent birds according to Bird B the balcony or near the buildings.
mess on her balcony in the July 2018 Gone’s website. In fact, they can re- Bird feeders or random pieces of
Wheel. Here’s her update: member individual people and follow bread and other food from residents
them around for several years. These will ensure that crows and other kinds
“I’ve set up my sparkly pinwheel. pesky crows can also cause damage of birds will return looking for more.
Made sure my balcony is clean…no to vehicles with their sharp beaks as Plus, feeding the birds is against the
poop in sight. And yet, Mr. Crow has well as painted surfaces with their rules and regulations here at WAL.
returned. In fact, this year he sits near acidic droppings. It’s especially hard
the pinwheel meant to keep him to deter them when they typically There are lots of great items out there
away. Just like last year, the crow gather in large groups. However, to deter birds but be careful, as you
always leaves his “calling card” all crows are protected by the Migratory are not allowed to attach items to the
over the railing and balcony floor,” Bird Treaty Act of 1918, so only pro- balcony railing or flooring. Some
Mary says. fessionals armed with a waiver and sonic devices may interfere with oth-
permission to handle such matters. er electronic devices as well as dis-
“Mr. Crow and his friends started courage all birds from visiting. Pin-
bothering other neighbors in Bldg. 2 Keep the Crows Out wheels, streamers and mylar balloons
too. Our annual battle continues, but The first line of defense is to clean may work.
he [Mr. Crow] always wins,” she la- the balconies as soon as you see any
ments. droppings. Crows are attracted to the If all else fails, maybe a good ol’
smell of their droppings. That’s why scarecrow might do the trick. Just
What can Mary and other residents they return each year because they’re move them sometimes so those crows
do to deter crows from damaging and used to the smell left behind. don’t become desensitized.
dirtying their balconies? Maybe some
of the information below might help Keep your balconies free of trash and Let’s hope one day Mr. Crow will fly
Mary and other residents keep crows fruiting plants. Crows love leftovers to be with his family and friends for
from roosting on their balconies. and so any trash that’s left outside good. Until then, keep up the good
will bring crows and other birds back fight, Mary!
Something to Crow About for more.
It’s no surprise Mr. Crow visits Mary

Page 10 Wheel August 2019