GUSTINE — The City of Gustine is warning residents near Schmidt Park that they may hear loud booms and other disruptive noises in the coming weeks as officials work to prevent Cattle Egrets from nesting in high‑use areas of the park.

City officials said Wednesday that seasonal waste produced by the birds has created health concerns in past years, prompting the city to begin deterrence measures before nesting begins. Crews are trimming trees around walkways and playgrounds and have deployed a sound cannon designed to scare the birds away from establishing roosts.

Residents living around the park may hear intermittent blasts from the cannon and other noise‑making devices during the deterrence period, the city said.

Under federal law, the city’s window for action is limited. Once the birds begin nesting and eggs are present, all deterrence efforts must stop because Cattle Egrets are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

The city urged the public not to disturb the birds.

“Do not harm, kill or touch the egrets, and stay away from any nests you see in the park,” the notice said.

City officials said the goal is to keep the birds from settling in areas heavily used by families while complying with federal wildlife protections.