Coots and widgeons have returned to Avondale and the past couple of years it seems to be worse than ever. This is somewhat true since the coot population has dramatically increased from a few to about 100+, however, the widgeons have decreased from hundreds to around 50+.
Why do I bring this up ... well the fact is that the wigeons do far more damage to the turf, leave more feces behind and in general are worse than the coots. But then why does everyone want the coots (mud hens) gone and not the widgeons? The simple reason is because the widgeons are pretty and sleek, while the coots are ugly and clumsy.
What can be done? First, stop feeding the ducks in general. Everyday almost, someone is giving the ducks food, including the coots, which means they will stay where there is an easy source of food. Lasers? Currently we have members and homeowners every night harassing the coots ... they scramble around but do not leave. Fake swans? When the swan were on the lake the coots actually use to sit on top of them. Other fake decoys? Once again at first they may be leery but quickly get use to them. Dogs, model planes, etc? Just ask every course in town ... little success at first then nothing because the coots just move back into the water. Plus both planes and dogs are very expensive. Wires across the lakes, nets on the edges, etc. These physical barriers may work of a bit but the wiry coots find their way around them ... ask Mission Hills CC, they have tried it all and still have coots.
Sadly, the only permanent solution is to kill the coots. This requires a permit, permission to kill within City limits and of course a shotgun.
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