Wild birds

Waterfowl such as swans, geese and ducks are commonly found near lakes and ponds in Mississauga parks. These birds are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. This means you can’t move waterfowl nests, birds or eggs.

Nests and unhatched eggs

Waterfowl nests can be found in trees, shrubs, bushes, fields and on roofs. If you find an egg, don’t touch it or try to incubate it.

Ducklings

If you find baby ducks in your swimming pool, encourage them to safely exit the water, without touching them, by:

• Building a ramp of Styrofoam, flutter board or wood
• Raising the water level in your pool
• Buying and installing a wildlife pool ramp

If the ducklings still can’t leave the pool on their own, call Animal Services at 905‑896‑5858 for help.

Adult waterfowl

Adult waterfowl rarely approach people or display aggressive behaviour, unless they feel threatened.

Geese

Canada geese commonly nest in open areas, such as parking lots, sidewalks and rooftops. If Canada geese have nested near your business or home, make the area uninviting and limit human interaction:

• Block the nest from view of passing people and pets, using a snow fence or tarp to lessen any threat geese may feel
• Post signs alerting pedestrians to avoid the nest
• Avoid approaching the geese or their babies or nesting area

For more information, read about preventing and managing conflicts with birds.

A songbird is a perching bird with a specialized vocal organ that allows it to produce melodic sounds and songs. Songbirds commonly found in Mississauga include American robins, blue jays, red-winged blackbirds and mourning doves.

Hatchlings and nestlings

Hatchlings and nestlings are baby birds with only some or no feathers. They shouldn’t be outside of their nest.

If you find a hatchling or nestling out of its nest, check surrounding trees and bushes. Return the baby bird to its nest if you can find it or call Animal Services at 905‑896‑5858.

Fledglings

Fledglings are baby birds that have outgrown their nest. These birds can’t fly for the first seven to 10 days outside of the nest, so they will hop on the ground while developing their wing strength. Because fledglings can’t fly, people assume they’re injured. But parents will continue to care for them during this stage.

If you find a fledgling, don’t touch or move the bird. If the bird is in a safe location and is alert and hopping, chirping and defecating normally, it doesn’t need help.

If the fledgling is in an unsafe area such as an open field, storefront, sidewalk or parking lot, you may try to guide the bird to a safer location. This could be a nearby tree, shrub, bush or flowerbed, within seeing distance from where you found it.

Never leave food or water. This can attract other animals or predators and put the fledgling in danger.

Pigeons will move into an area if there is available food, water and space for nesting. They look for sheltered, raised flat surfaces to nest, like balconies and rooftops.

Pigeons nesting on a balcony or a rooftop can be unsanitary. If you inhale airborne spores from pigeon droppings, it can cause respiratory infections such as histoplasmosis.

Nesting prevention

Check your balcony daily for nesting materials like twigs and leaves and remove them immediately. If you’re away for any length of time, have a friend or neighbour check the balcony for you.

Also consider the following tips to deter pigeons from nesting on your balcony or roof:

• Store garbage indoors or in sealed containers
• Keep balconies clear of debris, clutter and furniture
• Use physical barriers such as blinds or netting
• Secure tin flashing on railings and ledges at a 45-degree angle or install strands of filament line two inches above ledges to prevent perching
• Hang strips of fabric, balloons or other devices that move in the wind to discourage birds

Secure any deterrent for safety. Barriers like commercial porcupine wire should be installed only by a professional.

Prevention methods such as odour deterrents are not very effective for birds. Noise deterrents may be illegal if they disturb neighbours. Placing poison for pigeons is also illegal because it could affect protected birds such as songbirds.

Pigeon removal or control

If you live in an apartment building or condo and there are pigeons nesting on your balcony, alert building management immediately.

Animal Services does not remove pigeons from private property. If you own your property, you must call a private business for help removing pigeons from your residence or business.

Pigeon removal services use methods such as capture and relocation or predation with falcons. These are successful only if you use preventative measures after.

Pigeon keeping

It’s legal to keep domestic pigeons in Mississauga, but there are restrictions. For more information, read the Animal Care and Control By-law.

Wild turkeys are becoming more common in Mississauga. These birds weigh between seven and 30 pounds. They can run at speeds of 19 kilometres per hour. They can also fly to avoid predators, such as coyotes and people, and to get into trees to roost at night.

Wild turkeys are shy birds that usually avoid human activity, unless they become reliant on people for food. They might chase people or act aggressively if they expect to be fed.

If you encounter a wild turkey:

• Don’t run away
• Make yourself look big
• Keep your pets on a leash