Downy Woodpeckers are protected in Michigan. They are considered migratory birds and are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This federal law prohibits the harming, killing, or capturing of migratory birds without proper permits.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act was enacted to conserve and protect migratory bird populations and their habitats. It is a collaboration between the United States and Canada, and later expanded to include Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The treaty aims to ensure the sustainability of bird populations by regulating their harvest and preventing illegal activities that could harm them.
In Michigan, as in other states, it is generally illegal to maim or kill woodpeckers, including Downy Woodpeckers, without a special permit. These permits are usually granted by the local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office and are typically reserved for situations where the woodpeckers are causing significant damage or posing a threat to human safety.
However, it is important to note that prevention is often the best method of woodpecker control. There are several non-lethal and humane ways to deter woodpeckers from causing damage to property. These methods include:
1. Visual deterrents: Hanging reflective objects, such as strips of aluminum foil or old CDs, near the areas where woodpeckers are causing damage can help deter them. The flashing light and movement can scare them away.
2. Auditory deterrents: Playing recordings of distress calls or predator sounds, such as owl or hawk calls, can make woodpeckers think there is a threat nearby and discourage them from staying in the area.
3. Physical barriers: Placing netting or wire mesh over areas where woodpeckers are causing damage, such as siding or wooden structures, can prevent them from accessing the surface and pecking holes.
4. Habitat modification: Removing attractants such as dead trees or decaying wood that may provide nesting or foraging opportunities for woodpeckers can help reduce their presence.
It is also worth mentioning that Downy Woodpeckers, like other woodpecker species, play an important ecological role in the ecosystem. They help control insect populations by feeding on wood-boring insects and other pests. Therefore, if the woodpeckers are not causing significant damage or posing a threat, it is generally best to appreciate their presence and find ways to coexist with them.
Downy Woodpeckers are protected in Michigan under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Special permits from the local DNR office may be granted in certain situations, but prevention and non-lethal methods of control are usually the recommended approach. It is important to respect and appreciate the ecological role of woodpeckers while finding ways to mitigate any damage they may cause.