Fireworks, lasers aim to drive out downtown Indianapolis birds

INDIANAPOLIS — Visitors to downtown Indianapolis are being warned they might hear loud, shrill sounds and booms at night in the coming months.

It's all to keep the area from going to the birds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services branch says it will periodically use fireworks, lasers and recorded bird warning calls to discourage starlings and crows from roosting around Monument Circle, the Statehouse, the American Legion Mall, the World War Memorial and other spots. The fireworks will make the booms and shrill sounds.

The USDA says starlings drive out other species and compete for nesting space with songbirds. Along with crows, they also pose potential health and sanitation problems and cause property damage.