For nearly three weeks, neighbors in the Park Glen area have kept vigil at the edge of their property lines, eyes fixed on the treetops above.

“We want to catch them before they approach,” one resident said, describing the community effort to stop migratory egrets from claiming the neighborhood’s trees for another season.

“I think we’re approaching 20 days that we’ve been out here,” said Kelly Rybarczyck, a Park Glen resident.

The patience has purpose. When scouts spot an incoming bird, the community springs into action — because once a great egret nests and lays an egg, federal law steps in, and the calculus changes entirely. To deter the birds they fire off airhorns, clang boards together and make whatever noise they can to chase them away from the trees.

“At some point, it gets really unmanageable,” Rybarczyk said.

Last year, residents said about 1,000 egrets descended on the neighborhood near Teal Drive and Navajo Way. Nests covered nearly every limb. Birds fell from the trees and decomposed on the ground. The accumulation of droppings was pervasive and damaging.

“It will curl your shingles, it will warp your rafters — you’re probably going to have to replace the roof,” said resident Rick Sharon. “In this neighborhood, that’s about a $15,000 expense.”

The affected tree canopy belongs to the city. A spokesperson said they trimmed about 30% of the canopy in what they admit is an area of concern. Though neighbors say that trimming effort fell short of what was needed. Some residents have shouldered trimming costs themselves on city-owned trees that overhang their properties.

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control has now stationed officers on the block to help neighbors keep the birds out.

In one night alone, residents reported deterring about 219 birds over three hours.

“Some people try to have lives outside of chasing egrets away,” said Rick Sharon. “Wouldn’t that be nice?”

But residents say there is no option to ease off.

“Living here is not good for them. It’s not good for people,” said Rybarczyk. “That’s why we’re asking for help. That’s why we’re trying to keep this from happening.”