Grackles (bird) Problem - Anyone Else Have Problems?

[slo]

So…..this is a new problem for all us pool owners in my area.
These birds literally carry their poop in their mouth and leave it on the pool ledge or in my case, the pool deck. I’ve read about several ways to deter them, but since my deck is pretty large the deterrent doesn’t seem to bother them.
Anyone else have a problem with these birds? and if yes, what did you do to get them away from your pool?

 

[Kitty 34]

Yes. We took out suets down for awhile because they were just annihilating them and being very aggressive to many of our other birds.

 

[sheilafri]

Grackles are nasty birds. You might try multiple shiny streamers that flutter in the breeze. Maybe you have a fence or railing they could be attached to?

 

[Hopeful8]

Yes!!! They showed up last June or so with their poop sacs and it was so disgusting. We tried everything to get rid of them last year (fake snakes, inflatable crocodiles, owls, shiny objects hanging) and they just kept doing their gross thing. We upped the ante this year with more deterrents but I see them in my neighbour's trees, nesting, so I'm pretty sure they will do the same icky thing this year. They are very determined, pesky birds. One even dropped its dead baby bird on our pool deck last June. Grossest thing ever. We put a pool cover on now when we aren't swimming. The only positive thing is that it lasts for about 3 weeks and then the babies fly off and they are done with the sac dropping. Sorry you are dealing with this too, it was all new to us last year and it was truly awful.

 

[lorigacc]

Yes, and they are disgusting. My poor woodpeckers can’t even get close to their suet, any bird baths are full of poop, and my deck is a mess. We are supposed to open our pool this weekend....

 

[Mokat76]

Nastiest birds I’ve dealt with. When I lived in San Antonio, I learned quickly that if I heard grackles to not park under that big live oak. While the shade is enticing, blast furnace heat is far better than a poop-covered car.