The Brunswick Osprey Deterrent Case Study
When you’re managing a lot filled with high-value new vehicles, even a seemingly harmless natural occurrence—like birds nesting—can quickly become a costly challenge. For the MBUSA (Mercedes-Benz USA) Lot in Brunswick, GA, osprey nests on Musco lighting structures were more than just a seasonal inconvenience: they provoked critical maintenance headaches and posed a direct risk to inventory worth millions.
The Original Problem: Osprey Nests Threaten Inventory and Infrastructure
For years, ospreys made the new car lot’s towering Musco light poles their favored nesting site. These large raptors are tenacious architects, returning season after season and hauling impressive quantities of sticks, branches, and debris to build their homes. The result? Clogged drainage, damaged lighting, messy droppings, and the very real possibility of falling debris threatening staff, customers, and vehicles below. Traditional deterrents, like bird spikes and electric shock tracks, simply couldn’t keep up with the determination of osprey pairs; these methods weren’t engineered for the relentless pressure and weight that a typical osprey nest exerts on a structure.
Taking Action Early: The Advantage of Proactive Deterrence
One of the most crucial lessons from this case is the value of acting before the nesting season starts. Once an osprey nest is active, regulations and conservation guidelines often mandate leaving it undisturbed until the birds leave. Delaying action means property owners must endure another full season of risk, mess, and potential damage. By initiating deterrent installation before the ospreys returned, Birdzoff and MBUSA avoided the challenging situation of managing active nests—a move that underscored the importance of proactive planning.
Problem Solving Through Custom Innovation and Collaboration
Solving this complex issue required a combination of targeted innovation and cross-industry teamwork. Birdzoff, a specialist in avian management solutions, partnered with Musco Lighting’s own installation team to customize a solution. Recognizing that standard products wouldn’t suffice, the Birdzoff team engineered a custom crossover plate, allowing their nest deterrents to be securely attached to the unique single crossarm Musco light pole infrastructure. Coordination between Birdzoff and Musco meant a seamless installation process, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime for the lot’s operations.
Unlike generic deterrents, which frequently fail under the persistent and heavy-duty nest-building activities of ospreys, Birdzoff’s engineered approach ensured long-lasting and reliable protection. Bird spikes can be pushed aside or built over, and electric shock tracks rarely deliver the robust defense needed for such large nests and capable birds. The Brunswick solution tackled the high-pressure demands of osprey activity head-on.
The Outcome: Long-Term, Easily Replicable Success
The results speak for themselves. With the Birdzoff system in place before the migration and nesting cycle started, the Brunswick MBUSA location prevented new nests from being built on the Musco light poles. The deterrents were strategically withheld from the few poles still hosting active nests, ensuring compliance with wildlife regulations while preparing the entire site for complete coverage in future seasons. The successful collaboration also produced an installation process that’s easy to replicate, setting a new standard for fast, efficient, and effective bird management at similar facilities nationwide.
In Summary
Acting early is the best defense against osprey nesting challenges. Conventional deterrents like bird spikes and electric track systems simply don’t cut it for high-value facilities dealing with persistent, determined wildlife. Custom solutions, thoughtful timing, and cross-industry partnerships deliver the protection property owners need—before minor problems escalate into expensive crises.
Are you facing similar wildlife nesting challenges on your property? Proactive intervention and the right custom deterrent system can safeguard your assets and keep your operations running smoothly. Reach out to Birdzoff specialists to design a solution tailored to your unique environment—before the next nesting season takes flight.