WYTHE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Some are calling it a 'buzzard invasion' as people in Wythe County claim more than 100 black vultures moved into their neighborhood and despite continuous attempts to get the birds to leave.
"So this is my routine every morning when I scare the birds away," said Elisha Fister, pushing down on an air horn to scare away the birds.
Elisha Fister, a new homeowner, said for the last three months, day after day, she's seen more than 100 buzzards visit her backyard.
"When we wake up and go to bed they are here, but most the time it's in the mornings when the most come out," commented Fister.
Another neighbor said it's been an ongoing problem for three years.
"It's really bad," said Michael Cochran. "I've never seen anything like it before. They'll be over here. They'll be lined up all around there peeing all over the furniture, on top of the house, all over the yard."
Both said the droppings and feathers the birds leave behind are a big health concern to their young children and grandchildren.
"It's a mess," said Fister. "You can't let the children come out and play because you don't know what the birds might have and they use the bathroom on their toys."
The county's spokesperson said he's heard of vulture complaints in the city and county.
The USDA Virginia Wildlife Service said these birds like to nest in wooded areas and before feeding they'll rest where they're exposed to direct sunlight. And once they visit, it's not easy to get them to leave.
"We've let off some fireworks, we found an air horn, we try to beat pots and pans; I've done everything to try to get them birds," said Fister.
Since vultures are protected by law, the Wildlife Service said homeowner can only take non-lethal action to remove the birds.
"But anytime you see the birds beginning to loft or roost in an area where they're not welcome, you need to act rapidly and you need to be persistent," said Scott Barras, the state director of the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services.
Homeowners can also apply for a permit to hunt the birds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, but that can take time.
For now, Fister will continue on with daily routines to get rid of these unwanted visitors.
If you have an issue with buzzards the department of Wildlife Service urges homeowner to call the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.