Buzzards Leaving One Lavonia Neighborhood, But May Not Be Gone for Good

Lavonia City officials say it appears the buzzards are leaving Brookwood, but they may be trading one neighborhood for another.

Earlier, we told you about the problem residents on Brookwood Drive in Lavonia have had with literally hundreds of American Turkey Vultures roosting on their homes, cars and trees.

Last week, the City began a noise campaign on the residential street to drive the birds out and Thursday, Lavonia City Manager Charles Cawthon said it looks like the number of birds has diminished.

“The noise seems to be driving them away and keeping them away,” he said. “The main thing is we need to stay after it or we’re going to lose the progress that we’ve made so far.”

The City has been using propane-powered crop canons that make a loud boom at intervals to harass the buzzards, which makes them leave the area.

However, they’re not going very far apparently.

One resident on Roberts St. about a half mile away from Brookwood Dr. tells WLHR News about 30 of the vultures roosted in one of her pecan trees, but her dogs barking chased them away.

Cawthon said the City will have to stay on top of the buzzard bombardment.

“We’re trying to keep an eye on where they’re going to around the city, but they seem kind of scattered so it’s hard to get a handle on that,” Cawthon said. “If citizens see them in other areas they probably need to let us know, so we can be aware of that too.”

The City of Lavonia is not the only municipality in our area that’s having problems with turkey buzzards.

Carnesville, Hartwell, and Toccoa are also seeking large flocks of the carrion in their neighborhoods.

“We had several phone calls from different cities who are having issues too after they heard the news report,” Cawthon said. “They’ve been inquiring into what we’re doing and how effective it’s been.”

American Turkey vultures are protected by the federal government and it is illegal to kill them without special permits from the USDA.

If you are having a problem with turkey buzzards you need to contact your local city or county officials.