We expect birds to nest on tree branches and in nest boxes. But the wreath on the front door? The downspout near the bathroom? In some cases, it may be tempting to get rid of the nest.

But remember: “If you find a nest, leaving it alone is best!” And required—it is against the law to remove or destroy a nest if there are eggs in it or if young birds depend upon it for survival, under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The nesting cycle, from egg-laying to young birds fledging, does not last forever—for common backyard songbirds, it’s typically about 4-5 weeks. During this period, avoid disturbing the nest, which could cause parents to abandon it. Protect the area by keeping people and pets away or limiting your presence as much as possible. And if you enjoy tracking the movements of nesting birds, consider joining NestWatch!

Removing a nest should only be considered in extreme cases, and only with the help and guidance of a professional, like your local wildlife rehabilitator.

*An active Barn Swallow nest in an old structure (photo via Pixabay).*

As the weather begins to heat up, construction season does as well. When planning to remove or remodel a structure on your property (house, barn, shed, etc.), please thoroughly review the site for signs of nesting activity first. Even if you cannot see a nest, you might notice bird behaviors (frequently flying to and from a location, perhaps with food or materials) or hear sounds (irritated adults scolding you for coming close, high-pitched sounds of nestlings crying for food) that could signal a nest is nearby. If you find a nest, wait to do work until after the birds have fledged and nesting season is over.

Be aware that there are additional protections for nesting sites and breeding grounds of some species. For example, eagle nests are further protected by the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and require that people stay back 330 feet or more to avoid disturbing the nest. The Wisconsin DNR has also created a guideline with avoidance dates for some species of special concern in our state.

If you find a young bird that has fallen from a nest, follow this flowchart from the Wisconsin DNR for guidance. Check out our blog post for a few more common bird and nest questions.

Have a question you’d like answered? Email us!

Cover: An American Robin nest with fluffy nestlings huddled inside (photo via Pixabay).