Protection of Open Reservoirs Against Birds

Abstract

This article discusses the development by the water division of the city of Tacoma, Washington, of a simplified means of controlling birds on open reservoirs. The daily and seasonal habits of the various birds in the area were studied, but the biggest offender was found to be the sea gull, and all protection devices utilized have been designed to discourage this bird. Although a number of protection methods were studied, only three of these methods, the shotgun, stretched wires, and water spray, are at present being used in Tacoma, with the water spray method being the most effective. Major design considerations for the water spray are provided in the article.