Photo credit: globalnews.ca
The morning chorus of birds typically brings joy to many, but for Bradley and Cherylee Gosse, the incessant pecking of a Northern Flicker has become a source of frustration and sleepless nights.
“Fortunately, we’re already awake for work,” said Gosse. “But on weekends, we get jolted from sleep at five in the morning by those birds.”
“Our dogs are going crazy because of the noise.”
The Northern Flicker, a type of woodpecker, has been damaging the stucco siding of their home in Calgary in search of insects or a nesting site. Despite their efforts to dissuade the birds, they are unable to eliminate them due to legal protections surrounding the species.
“Both woodpeckers and Flickers are shielded by the North American Migratory Bird Act, making it a federal issue managed by Environment Canada,” noted Nicholas Holland, who runs Peregrine Pest Control.
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“Interfering with protected species carries severe penalties.”
Fines for violating these protections can be substantial, ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, and include potential jail time of up to six months. As a result, the Gosses have resorted to various deterrents such as wind chimes, spike strips, shiny objects, and even plastic owls, yet nothing has effectively resolved the issue.
“Last year, we counted 20 holes, and I think there was only one bird involved,” Gosse remarked. “The previous year had slightly fewer, but it appears to be getting progressively worse.”
The couple finds themselves frequently patching holes with spray foam, hoping to mitigate the damage. Unfortunately, their home insurance has denied coverage for the bird-related damage, citing it as a responsibility of the homeowners.
“We’ve been informed that any damage from pests, including birds and vermin, is our liability,” Gosse explained. “Additionally, any future water damage stemming from these pests would also be our responsibility.”
This situation is not unique; Rob de Pruis from the Insurance Bureau of Canada suggests that this is common across the insurance sector in Canada. “It’s possible for some insurance policies to cover damage from birds, but such cases are rare,” he detailed. “Each policy has varying terms, so it’s advisable to consult with your insurance representative to clarify your coverage options.”
For the Gosses, the situation feels urgent. Their only viable solution at this point is to replace the stucco exterior with vinyl siding, which they have estimated will cost between $15,000 and $35,000.
Source
globalnews.ca