After calling Meridian, a Florida supermarket had no egrets
This month, we’re starting a new series, “Amazing Bird Adventures.” Over the years, our Bird Removal Technicians (BRTs) have collected some crazy stories of unusual captures and sticky situations. Meridian Bird Removal’s motto is embrace new adventures daily, and we’re looking forward to sharing stories that embody the adventure we strive to live every day.
Setting the scene
The BRT: Anastasia Neff
Experience level: BRT-3
The bird: Cattle Egret
The partner: a supermarket chain located in Jupiter, Florida
I was heading home from a successful bird capture deep in Miami when I received an emergency work order 60 miles north in Palm Beach. Dispatch informed me a cattle egret waltzed his way into a supermarket and was causing absolute chaos all day long. Florida Wildlife Commission was on the scene trying to prevent human interaction with the egret, but they were unsuccessful in capturing the bird. A local wildlife rescue group was trying, too. That’s two experienced groups this bird was thwarting. I had my work cut out for me.
Egrets, I’ve caught a few
I arrived on the scene confident and excited. I reassured the store manager I would catch their troublemaker, as I had lots of experience with weird wild bird species in Florida. I had nabbed sneaky catbirds, bold owls, and powerful hawks. Egrets are no less dangerous. This cattle egret’s body was the size of a chubby newborn baby, with long legs, a long neck, and a sharp 3½ inch beak. His wingspan was almost four feet long. Compared to the sparrows which comprise most of my calls, this bird was a beast.
The situation turned as soon as I planned out the best capture locations. The egret seemed aware of what I was trying to do – instantly, it shot up into the deep overhangs that wrapped around the store. The manager was getting anxious, wondering aloud how I would coax the crafty bird into what looked to him like a small, flimsy trap. As a Meridian BRT-3, I knew I had the experience and mastery to get this egret, and I committed to staying on top of it until it was in my net.
Dedication brings success
I grabbed a ladder and placed it so I could flush it out of the overhangs. The egret swiftly flew to the sales floor, gliding low and gently landing on the aisle sign. From previous raptor captures, I knew I had to use a double net technique to hold on to a bird this big. The egret missed my trap a few times, but with each round of pressure, I adapted and adjusted my technique so it would be more focused on me than the net. On the next pass, I knew I was going to get my bird. In the blink of the eye, it was in the net!
I quickly and safely cleared the area of customers who had watched the whole adventure. They found the capture thrilling and had a lot of questions. I was glad I spent time briefing the store manager, not only to reassure him, but also so he could answer customer questions while I focused on the captured bird. The egret was struggling to get out of my arms, so I held it tight and made sure no one got too close, as it was trying to attack me with its sharp beak.
I walked him outside, away from the store’s entrance, and released him back into the wild. It was an awe-inspiring experience, and I am so glad that I was able to make this difficult catch! The manager was very grateful that Meridian Bird Removal was able to save the day – and the bird.
If you are facing bird removal issues that other companies or organizations cannot solve, view our services here to see if Meridian can help you with your bird issues.
For more examples of Meridian successfully removing problem birds, visit our case studies page.