PRINCE GEORGE/CHARLES CITY, Va. – Thousands of European starlings perch atop the Benjamin Harrison Bridge each day, leaving behind droppings that have become both a health hazard to bridge workers and a costly cleanup project for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). To discourage the birds from roosting and nesting on the bridge, VDOT is using a humane bird management technique recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services. In fact, this is the first time VDOT has used this technique to deter birds from perching on structures.

USDA officials trained bridge tenders to use a device that launches a pyrotechnic (noise maker) about 75 feet into the air. “Our goal is to scare the birds enough that they will choose another location,” said District Environmental Manager Nick Froelich. “We don’t anticipate any birds will be directly harmed by this technique.” VDOT and the USDA Wildlife Services will evaluate the success of the technique after two weeks of use.

The noise maker is used at dusk, when the birds would normally gather on the bridge. Bridge tenders will launch the device when traffic is light. VDOT does not expect this activity to impact bridge or river traffic.

From Feb. 1 through July 16 each year, the Benjamin Harrison Bridge is a popular nesting destination for Peregrine falcons. Bridge tenders will be restricted from using the noise maker during this time. "Although Peregrine falcons are a natural predator for starlings, the bridge's resident falcons are overwhelmed," said Froelich. "We're hoping this noise maker will make the bridge less attractive to the starlings and allow the Peregrine falcons to thrive."

VDOT began a $9.1 million bridge renovation project late last year to repaint the 41-year-old Benjamin Harrison Bridge. Due to the construction, traffic is restricted to one lane over the bridge with temporary signals providing traffic control. Project completion is expected by Oct. 2009. The bridge connects Prince George County to Charles City County and carries more than 4,000 vehicles over the James River per day.

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Page last modified: Aug. 14, 2008