Nuisance birds gone from Sturgis

The city of Sturgis recently received an update regarding a group of turkey vultures near Galyn Drive on the city’s southeast side.

The presence of the birds was deemed a nuisance by those in the neighborhood and was a potential health hazard, with the elevated amount of bird waste present in the area.

City commission members have authorized the purchase of a turkey vulture “effigy” in September. The effigy, as recommended by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, alarms the birds and prompts them to find somewhere else to roost.

City manager Michael Hughes said the effigy was purchased and hung recently, and within a day, the vultures had left.

Additionally, Hughes said, as far as city officials can tell, the vultures have not claimed new territory in the city, and the effigy was confirmed as effective.