Living With Songbird Neighbors

Can I Move a Bird Nest if It’s in an Inconvenient Location?

It is illegal to move bird nests under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Plus, parents may no longer care for their young if the nest has been moved. Most birds only have young in their nests for a few weeks, so the best practice is to be patient and keep a safe distance from the nest. If a nest has fallen, place it in the closest location to where it previously was. If the nest has been destroyed, create a false nest and replace it closest to where it previously was. More information about renesting can be found here. 

Can I Remove the Nest, Eggs or Babies if a Pigeons Is Nesting on My Balcony?

Pigeons incubate their eggs for approximately two weeks, and their young are able to fly about three to four weeks after hatching. Parents will not care for their babies if the nest or eggs are moved. You can continue to use your balcony once the young have hatched but maintain a safe distance to not disturb the young and prevent scaring the parents away before their young have reached independence. Once young have left the nest, you can prevent further nesting by removing nest material before it is completed and by deterring the parents. 

What Should I Do if There Are Birds Trapped in My Chimney

Chimney Swifts are a species of bird that nests in chimneys. They can even congregate there. Closing the fireplace damper can prevent them from entering your house. They will leave your chimney either when their young have left the nest or when they’re ready to migrate. Chimney Swifts can be loud, but are protected by the Migratory Species Act, so please be patient. If a nest has fallen off the walls of the chimney into your home, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

How Can I Prevent a Bird From Attacking My Windows or Mirrors?

Some species of songbirds will attack their own reflections thinking it’s another individual of their species. This is normal territorial behavior! To prevent this behavior, you can cover the window or mirror with newspaper, a sheet or anything else that’s non-reflective and prevents the bird from seeing its reflection. You can also place light-reflective streamers in front of the window or mirror. These materials only need to be kept up temporarily until the behavior stops.