FOR THE BIRDS

ABOUT 200,000 STARLINGS ROOST EVERY NIGHT ON THE TRUSS MEMBERS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FORE RIVER BRIDGE IN QUINCY, MASS., CAUSING THREE MAIN PROBLEMS. THE CORROSIVE EFFECT OF THEIR DROPPINGS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP A PROTECTIVE COAT OF PAINT ON THE STEEL TRUSS MEMBERS; THE BIRDS HARRASS BRIDGE MAINTENANCE MEN; AND THE DROPPINGS, IF ALLOWED TO ACCUMULATE, COULD PRESENT A SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD. THE BIRDS WERE NOT POISONED BECAUSE OF THE DANGER THAT PET CATS AND DOGS WOULD EAT THEIR BODIES. OTHER METHODS WERE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS, INCLUDING DROPPING NETS FROM THE BRIDGE RAILINGS TO PREVENT THE BIRDS FROM NESTING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE NETS WERE DROPPED AT NIGHT, TRAPPING THE BIRDS UNTIL THEY FOUGHT THEIR WAY OUT. THE TORN NETS WERE REMOVED, AND THE BIRDS RETURNED.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Highway Administration

  Special Report-use of Equipment and Methods of Maintenance
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Clougherty, J L
• Publication Date: 1970-12

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Birds; Bridges; Maintenance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00218847
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: pp 10-12
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 24 1972 12:00AM