Fort Worth rolls out the big guns to scare away grackles

August 1,2015

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Reposted from WFAA8

FORT WORTH – You may have heard a loud bang echoing through downtown Fort Worth this week.

It's not a gun shot, or even fireworks, but a tactic the city is using to get rid of a pesky species of birds.

The city gardener tells News 8 the common grackle population is up, and they're hoping to flush out the loud, messy species.

"They just gather together in groups and poop together," said gardener John Langevin.

Fort Worth has brought out the heavy guns to scare off grackles in the city. Philip Townsend has more. WFAA

The echoing bang comes from a gas-powered cannon crews fire into the air to scare the birds. It doesn't hurt the grackles, but city officials say it's an effective tool.

The birds are not easily intimidated by people, so it takes a lot to get rid of them.

"Sometimes you just want to relax here at the Water Gardens," said Fort Worth resident Jonathan Rodriguez, "but you can't because they're always there making a lot of noise."

Crews have spent two days this week firing off rounds near the Water Gardens at sunset. It's a time when you will typically see more of the species.

The city is using the same tactic throughout other areas of downtown.