Nesting Season is Almost Here!

Nesting season is almost here for our community's feathered friends, and birds are preparing the homes they will need to raise their young this spring. As a wildlife rehabilitation center, we often receive calls about birds nesting in 'inconvenient' places—but did you know that most birds, their nests, and eggs are federally protected by law?

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), it is illegal to move, disturb, or destroy an occupied nest. Even if a nest seems abandoned, removing it could harm the birds. That’s why it’s crucial to act before nesting begins to prevent conflicts humanely and legally.

How to prevent unwanted nesting—before eggs are laid:

1. Identify potential nesting spots early—birds love sheltered ledges, eaves, wreaths, and planters.

2. Remove unoccupied nests only if absolutely necessary, and relocate them to a nearby tree.

3. Use humane deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers, soft sound devices, or flashing lights to encourage birds to nest elsewhere.

4. Close off problem areas by sealing entry points, moving planters indoors, or modifying structures to discourage nesting.

Why does this matter? Birds play a vital role in our ecosystem—helping with regulating small animal populations, pollination, and seed dispersal. By taking responsible steps before eggs are laid, we can coexist peacefully with our feathered neighbors while protecting both wildlife and human spaces.

If you find a baby bird on the ground or a nest that you believe needs help, do not intervene without guidance. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator ASAP for help, and do not provide food, water, or medical care to the animal. 

Help us spread awareness! Share this post and encourage others to implement humane, bird-friendly solutions to their human-bird conflicts.