Egret Rookery Workshop

Herons and egrets are beautiful and fascinating birds that are common around lakes, ponds, wetlands, and grasslands in North Central Texas.  However, they breed and nest in large groups, called rookeries, which can be a nuisance when located within residential areas.  A number of rookeries have occupied residential areas in the metroplex the past few years, creating issues for citizens and municipal governments.  This workshop provided municipalities with information on the problem with urban rookeries, tools and management practices to prevent new and returning rookeries, and guidance on managing an existing rookery.  The target audience was municipal staff and management that deal with urban wildlife issues, such as city managers or community directors, local police departments, parks and recreation staff, and animal services/control supervisors within the NCTCOG area.

The Egret Rookery Workshop included presentations from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services.  Attendees also heard from cities that are experiencing current rookery issues. 

• Workshop Agenda
• Workshop Handouts
• Nuisance Heronries in Texas Booklet