Saturday, September 19, 1998
Tiffin bombs will be for the birds
By Vicki Hunker
Staff Writer
Don't forget your earplugs if you plan to take a walk next week in one of Tiffin's residential areas plagued by European starlings.
Beginning Tuesday, City Administrator Wayne Stephens said the city will be attempting a relocation program in the late afternoon and early evening on Walker Street between Prospect and Greenfield and on Jefferson Street between Main and Coe.
The program, which involves the extensive use of noise-making devices, probably will continue until the end of the week, he said.
''We were looking for ways to do something about the problem other than shooting them,'' Stephens said.
He contacted Seneca County Wildlife Officer Jim Davis, who referred him to Andrew Montoney, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Montoney will be directing city workers in the project, which includes chasing the birds with fireworks and the broadcast of bird distress calls.
''We're hoping that they will roost again in a rural area somewhere where they won't bother anybody,'' Stephens said. ''A forest is where we're hoping.''