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Where do Seagulls like to Build their Nests
- Written by: Dan Frankian
In this article, we'll look at where and why you may find seagulls nesting on your property, along with some suggestions when you do. Summary:
Where do Seagulls Build Their Nests?
- Seagulls prefer nesting on flat gravel covered roofs.
- Seagulls prefer to build nests beside pipes or low structures on the roof to protect the nests.
- Seagulls are protected wildlife in Canada and the USA. Permits can take up to 3 weeks to obtain. In Southern Ontario, Hawkeye starts permit applications in January and February.
Seagulls generally live within sight of water. They can be found near oceans, rivers, inland waterways, lakes, and even ponds. Gulls are scavengers and will eat almost any food they come across, including fish, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, berries, etc. They will eat leftovers from people food, too. That is why they are often found in parks and on beaches where people will have picnics and snacks. Unfortunately, people have been known to throw their leftover scraps to the seagulls. This has been made illegal in many areas as it can lead to dangerous episodes of children and pets being dive-bombed by gulls looking for food. The seagulls have come to associate people with food and expect to be fed when they see people. Eating human food can cause illness in the birds as most foods people throw to the birds are not nutritious enough they will fill up with nutrient deficient food.
Are Seagulls attracted to certain Colours?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Do Seagulls see Colour?
They do. In fact, most birds have the ability to see into the ultraviolet spectrum in addition to the range that we humans see. This gives them a very distinct perception of colour that helps them survive and thrive in the wild. This ability certainly influences how they perceive different colour objects in their vicinity.
Do Seagulls prefer one or more Colours?
Seagulls, like many birds, are attracted to the colours of food or colours that can enhance their social interaction. Birds, in general, are drawn to brighter and more vibrant colours. Red, orange and yellow are seen as attractive, but even more dull colours can attract Seagulls because the birds can see the brighter more vibrant ultraviolet colour that we cannot. Much like we may instinctively associate certain colours with familiar objects, seagulls and other birds may recognize vibrant colours as food; flowers, seeds, or fruits that birds forage for in the wild.
How to Remove Pigeon Poop
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Pigeons might seem harmless as they strut around city streets, but their droppings pose serious health risks if not handled properly.
Whether you're dealing with a small smudge on your balcony or a full-blown pigeon infestation, it's essential to take the right steps to safely remove pigeon poop and protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.
Health Risks of Pigeon Poop
Pigeon poop is both an unsightly mess and harbors harmful pathogens and bacteria that can make you sick:
- Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, can be contracted by inhaling airborne spores from dried pigeon droppings, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue.
- Cryptococcosis, another fungal infection caused by inhaling airborne particles from pigeon droppings, can result in pneumonia or meningitis.
- Pigeon droppings can also contain Salmonella bacteria, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
How to Keep Raccoons Away From Chickens
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Are raccoons giving your chickens a hard time?
These clever critters can significantly threaten your feathered pets, but with the right strategies, you can safeguard your chickens from raccoon invasions in the future. Let’s dive into how to keep raccoons away from chickens!
Where Are Raccoons Found in Canada?
Raccoons typically thrive in more forested regions, where they have plenty of natural cover and food sources. But contrary to what many people think, they’re also frequently found in more suburban environments, too. You’re likely to encounter raccoons near water sources like rivers, lakes, and streams, where they have ample food and hydration. Raccoons are typically found in every province other than Newfoundland and Labrador.
What You Need to Know About Gulls Nesting on Roofs
- Written by: Dan Frankian
The Biggest Misconceptions About Gulls Nesting on Roofs
Many people think they know how to address gulls nesting on roofs.
While these birds can seem harmless from afar, their nesting habits can cause problems for homeowners. From noise and mess to considerable damage, dealing with gulls nesting on your roof is a task you'll want to tackle sooner rather than later.
Naturally, it’s easy to think that you can get all your questions answered with a quick Google search– but that’s not always the case.
What You Need to Know About Gulls
In urban areas, gulls often find flat rooftops to be ideal nesting spots, because rooftops mimic their natural cliff habitats, offering a safe place to raise their young away from ground based predators.
They’re also attracted to areas near water sources like lakes, rivers, and coastlines, which is where they feast on fish and other marine life.
Gulls are also relatively social birds that often nest in colonies, especially during breeding season. This behavior allows them to protect their nests from predators and communicate with other gulls in the area.
So, why do gulls nest on roofs?
Read more: What You Need to Know About Gulls Nesting on Roofs
Why Do Pigeons Keep Coming Back To My House?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Pigeons might seem harmless, but they can be a real nuisance if they decide to make your property their home.
The reasons for their return are often rooted in their natural behavior and the environment we provide for them. Understanding pigeon behavior is crucial for effective control and prevention. By knowing what attracts them and how they live, you can implement strategies to deter them from returning.
So if you’re wondering "Why do pigeons keep coming back to my house?" you're not alone, but there are solutions!
Understanding Pigeon Behavior
To effectively deal with pigeon problems, and answer “How do I keep pigeons away from my house?” it's essential to understand their natural habits and instincts.
Pigeons are highly adaptable birds that thrive in urban environments. They are attracted to areas that provide easy access to food and shelter, which is why they are often found in cities and towns.
How to Remove Pigeons From Your Residential Roof
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Seeing pigeons on the streets of Toronto is one thing— but dealing with pigeons on your roof all day can be frustrating. These birds can cause significant damage to your home, and pose health risks to those in and around your home.
Here are some practical, humane, and effective methods on how to remove pigeons from your roof, so you can learn how to keep your roof pigeon-free… the right way.
Why Do Pigeons Go On Roofs?
You won’t quite know how to remove pigeons from your roof unless you know what draws them there to begin with.
Roofs provide a warm and safe environment for them to roost and nest, especially flat roofs or those with lots of nooks and crannies. These spots offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for pigeons to settle in.
How to Remove Geese From Your Property
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Are you tired of geese taking over your property, leaving behind a mess and causing damage? Many property owners face this challenge, especially during geese migration seasons.
Let’s dive into some practical solutions on how to remove geese from your property, ensuring a peaceful and clean outdoor space.
Why Do Geese Come to My Property?
Geese are attracted to well-manicured lawns, water features, and abundant food sources. They prefer open, grassy areas where they can easily spot predators while grazing on the short grass. If your property has a pond or is near a water body, it automatically becomes twice as appealing to these birds.
Because geese are also creatures of habit, they’ll typically return to the same location year after year. This is due to their strong homing instinct, which makes them remember and revisit places, especially after a successful nesting season.
But even if you don’t think that geese in your space are a big deal, they can cause significant property damage by trampling and eating plants, and their droppings can create health hazards.
Geese may also become aggressive, especially during nesting season, posing a threat to pets and humans alike.
There's a Raccoon On My Roof. What Do I Do?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Discovering a raccoon on your roof can be a startling and concerning experience.
As a homeowner, it's important to recognize the signs of a potential raccoon infestation and take appropriate action to address the situation.
Let’s explore some common signs of raccoons on your roof, as well as how to prevent it and the best solution for getting rid of them for good.
Common Signs of Raccoon Infestations
Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures that can make their homes in a variety of environments, including urban and suburban areas.
They’re primarily known for their dexterity and intelligence, which makes them adept at finding ways into attics and onto rooftops.
Here are some signs that you might have a raccoon infestation:
How to Catch a Raccoon in a Live Trap
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Raccoons are known for their intelligence and dexterity, which can make them quite a challenge to catch. Whether you're dealing with a pesky raccoon rummaging through your trash or an unwelcome visitor in your attic, using a live trap is often the most humane and effective method for removal.
Let’s explore how to catch a raccoon in a live trap in a humane and efficient way.
Below, we outline some of the key factors that professionals consider when using live traps to remove raccoons from a property.
Seized raccoons from Kawartha Lakes facility *Update
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Back in September the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) obtained a permit to remove close to 100 raccoons that were being kept in a rehabilitation facility called “Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue”. *Our original Article here* The MNRF states that this charity violated the Provincial Wildlife Conservation Act and was not meeting their regulations as wildlife custodians; which is why the animals in their care were seized. Although Mally’s Raccoon Rescue wholly denies these allegations, there are certain aspects of the videos posted that don’t quite add up. What we are questioning is why did they have so many animals in their care, is housing so many animals together risking spread of disease, and why were kits being taken into custody at this time of year? There are many reasons why this raid may have happened and this article will help to explore those reasons.
In Ontario, the law for wildlife custodians states that “wildlife custodians are legally authorized to provide temporary care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife so they can be returned to the wild.” The key word in this statement is temporary. This facility had close to 100 animals in captivity and many of the animals in the pictures seen, appear to be in perfectly stable condition to be released into the wild. Raccoons or other animals in captivity can easily become domesticated. This poses a large problem because they can become reliant on humans for food and shelter and become unable to survive on their own successfully. This leaves us to question if these animals are being kept in captivity longer than they should be? Also with so many animals housed together are they risking the spread of disease?
Read more: Seized raccoons from Kawartha Lakes facility *Update
How to Clean Raccoon Poop Safely and Effectively
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Cleaning raccoon poop is a whole different ballgame compared to picking up after your dog or cat. Raccoon poop carries a wealth of diseases that can lead to serious and fatal health risks to humans and domestic animals.
Raccoon poop might look a lot like the poop of a small dog but there are a few differences. It usually contains undigested food such as berries, seeds, and other foods. Raccoon poop is tubular shaped, two to three inches in length, dark in colour, and often has an overpowering odour.
- How to Trap Raccoons That Are in Your Attic and Chimney
- Do You Have Raccoons in Your Backyard? Risks, Prevention and Professional Solutions
- How Can I Protect Myself from Common Raccoon Diseases?
- Why Should Toronto Residents Avoid Contact with Raccoons?
- What Should You Do if You Have Raccoons in Your Attic During the Winter?