When the baby birds have fledged and left the nest, many people wonder what they should do with the empty nest. There are a few options to consider when deciding how to handle an abandoned bird nest.
Leave the Nest in Place
One option is to simply leave the nest where it is. Many bird species reuse old nests, so leaving it in place may save birds some work in the future. Unless the nest is causing some sort of problem, there is no need to remove it.
Some species that commonly reuse old nests include robins, mourning doves, barn swallows, eastern phoebes, and black-capped chickadees. Many birds will do some minor repairs and additions to an existing nest each year, rather than building a completely new one.
Leaving the nest in place ensures it remains available for future use. It also avoids accidentally destroying any dormant eggs or nestlings that may be hidden in the nest if the adults are still using it. So if the nest is safely out of the way in a location where it is not causing problems, the best option is often simply leaving it be.
Take the Nest Down
In some cases, it may make sense to remove an abandoned nest. For example, if the nest is directly above a doorway or in another inconvenient location, you may want to take it down.
Some other scenarios where removal may be a good option include:
- The nest has become infested with bird mites, insects or other pests.
- It was built in a hazardous location such as close to wires or pipes.
- You need to perform maintenance or construction and need it out of the way.
- The nest is blocking gutters or other drainage areas and causing water damage.
Use common sense when evaluating whether a nest should be removed due to causing some type of problem. Try to avoid taking down one that is simply in an innocuous location you would prefer it not be.
Also avoid removing or destroying active nests with eggs or chicks still inside them. This could potentially violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other wildlife protection laws.
How to Remove a Bird Nest
If you determine a nest should be removed, use the following recommendations to do so safely and legally:
- Time any removals outside the breeding season, which is generally spring through mid-summer.
- Check carefully that the nest is empty before removing it.
- Wear gloves and a safety mask to protect from diseases, mites, etc.
- Seal the nest in a plastic bag and dispose of it.
- Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water after removing the nest.
Taking down a nest is often easiest after the breeding season is over and it has been abandoned for the year. Avoid trying to knock down one that is actively being used.
Move the Nest to a New Location
Rather than destroying an active nest, some people choose to move it to a new location instead. This should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Moving a nest with eggs or young comes with substantial risks, including:
- Causing adult birds to abandon the nest.
- Damaging delicate eggs or injuring nestlings.
- Exposing the young to the elements or predators.
However, there may be the rare occasion when moving a nest makes sense. For example, if construction was starting on a building with an active nest that would otherwise be destroyed. Just take great care in doing so and follow wildlife rehabilitation or conservation group guidelines.
Here are some tips if you must move a nest to a new location:
- Obtain any required permits or licenses first.
- Move the nest less than one mile away to stay within the parents’ territory.
- Keep the nest upright and supported in a natural looking location.
- Move it at night when parent birds are less active.
- Wear gloves and sanitize any equipment afterwards.
With caution, moving a nest can sometimes be done without harming the birds. But avoid doing so unless absolutely needed, and take steps to minimize risks.
Install a Nest Box or Nesting Platform
If you want to encourage birds to reuse the nest location in the future, consider installing a nest box or artificial nesting platform.
Many species readily accept nest boxes, including:
- Eastern and western bluebirds
- Tree swallows
- Chickadees
- Titmouse
- Wrens
- Some owls and woodpeckers
Place a basic nest box or hollowed out gourd in the same spot the birds were originally nesting. Use a design suitable for the particular species you want to attract.
For nests built on ledges or corners, provide an artificial nesting platform instead. These are wooden or wire structures designed to mimic a natural nest location. Place it in the exact same spot the original nest was.
With some fresh nesting material provided, birds may reuse the familiar location. Just be sure to install nest boxes well before breeding season.
Let Nature Take its Course
In most cases, the simplest option is letting nature take its course. Birds naturally abandon nests at the end of each breeding season.
While old nests often get reused, strong winds, storms, and other natural events also frequently bring them down. If this happens, simply allow the remnants to decompose naturally.
The birds will go on to build fresh new nests each spring. So if a vacant or abandoned nest comes down on its own, it typically isn’t anything to worry about.
A fallen nest can be removed if it is inconveniently located, just as with any other type of yard debris. Otherwise let it gradually break down in place. Birds naturally cope with old nests being removed by the elements.
As tempting as it may be to intervene, remember ornithologists advise against removing or tampering with nests unless absolutely necessary. Fewer human disturbances usually leads to healthier, more stable bird populations over the long term.
Protect Future Nest Sites
If birds built their nest in an exposed or vulnerable location, you can take proactive steps to protect future nest sites:
- Prune dense foliage around the nest location to create natural cover.
- Install a canopy or shelter over very exposed sites.
- Wrap surfaces with 1/4 inch mesh wire to deter future nest building in very undesirable spots.
- Use repellents or obstacles to block access to hazardous areas.
With some small improvements, you can make a site less prone to threats or access issues in the future. This saves birds the effort of rebuilding nests yearly that just get destroyed.
Focus mainly on modifying the specific problem location, not taking broad measures across your entire property. The goal is not to discourage birds from nesting, just guide them to safer spots.
When to Get Help
In some cases, professional assistance may be warranted when deciding what to do with an abandoned nest:
- If a nest has active eggs or chicks and moving it is unavoidable.
- When a problematic nest site continues being reused despite your prevention efforts.
- If the nest has become infested with parasites.
- When dealing with endangered species or legally protected nests.
- If diseased birds may have used the nest.
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or conservation group for advice in tricky situations. They can assess issues and handle complex nest removals or relocations.
Never hesitate to reach out for help when dealing with active nests containing young birds or eggs. It is illegal to tamper with the nests of native bird species without proper permits.
Prevent Future Nests in Undesired Locations
While nest removal should be avoided whenever possible, you can take some simple steps to discourage birds from rebuilding nests in inconvenient areas around your home and yard. Here are some tips:
- Install netting, mesh, or wire over locations you do not want nests built.
- Use harmless repellents like sticky gels or spike strips on ledges, eaves, or railings.
- Block access to interior areas like vents with hardware cloth over openings.
- Trim back tree branches or shrubs to reduce nesting spots near buildings.
- Discourage rooftop nesting by placing decoys or reflective deterrents.
The key is making undesirable sites either physically inaccessible or less appealing. But be careful only using targeted deterrents in specific areas, not across your whole property.
When to Avoid Nest Prevention
There are certain situations when you should not attempt to deter birds from nesting, including:
- On structures like barns or garages away from your living space.
- In areas that do not pose any safety risks or cause problems.
- On properties with adequate natural habitat to support nests.
- If it would harm threatened or declining species.
Letting birds nest on outbuildings or other incidental structures helps provide much needed habitat. Avoid deterrents if nests are not directly impacting your home.
In Conclusion
When baby birds leave the nest, observing some simple guidelines can help ensure your actions don’t have unintended consequences:
- Leave intact nests in place whenever possible.
- Only remove empty nests if they are causing clear issues.
- Avoid relocating active nests unless there are no alternatives.
- Consider installing nest boxes or platforms to provide future habitat.
- Seeking expert advice is recommended when dealing with complicated situations.
With some care and common sense, abandoned nests can be dealt with while also supporting healthy bird populations on your property.
Birds are vulnerable during the breeding season, so be cautious handling active nests. If in doubt, simply leave the nest alone and let nature take its course.
Over time, most birds will gradually choose safer, more stable sites to rebuild each year. With some small improvements, you can guide them to optimal spots. But avoid deterrents that remove too much habitat.
While empty nests left behind may seem like an inconvenience at first, they provide birds a head start on next year’s breeding season. With a light touch, humans can coexist with nature while also maintaining homes and properties.
By understanding a nest’s seasonal lifecycle and using safe, ethical methods, abandoned nests can be handled in a way that is beneficial for both birds and people alike.
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