Just call him the Buzzard Czar.

Andalusia Councilman Kennith Mount earned the honorary title from fellow council members this week when he raised the issue in the council’s workshop meeting

“We’ve got some residents that don’t need to be here,” Mount said. “They’re buzzards that have taken up residence here.”

Mount said his interest in trying to control the buzzard population increased after he got a call from a constituent.

“The lady had put flowers in Magnolia Cemetery,” he said. “The buzzards had shredded them the next day.”

Buzzards have been roosting in downtown Andalusia for several years, but Mount said they typically nest on the ground.

“If you walk up on a nest, you’ll know it,” he said. “It’s the worst thing you can smell.”

To discourage the buzzards from roosting around the cemetery, Mayor Earl Johnson said the city is seeking permission to cut some trees that the buzzards particularly like.

Mount said it is illegal to kill turkey and black vultures, commonly known as buzzards. The carnivorous birds feed on animal carcasses.

“To be as many as there are in this area, there’s got to be foodstuff somewhere,” Mount said, adding that he believes the birds are attracted to deer carcasses being dumped in the woods near the city.”

Councilman Terry Powell said having buzzards might not be a bad thing.

“The consequences of getting rid of them might be worse than the consequence of having them,” he said.

Mount, the czar, said many farmers fire a canon to keep buzzards away.

“I don’t think we can be firing a canon downtown,” he said. “But if anybody has suggestions, please have them call me.”