The Recyclers
Posted by Jim Schnitzer on July 10, 2003
Q: I looking for the best time of the year to remove birds nest from around my house. They are local/non-migratory birds and we live in Northern Ohio (where fairly cold winters are possible).
I want to minimize the adverse impact on the birds, such as avoiding interference with egg laying, chick rearing, and/or making sure they can ahve somewhere warm for the winter.
Thanks for the help.
A: If I were you, I'd wait until mid August before clearing nests from my house. Although many birds have already fledged their young (this is now mid July), some species will nest a second or even third time and may or may not reuse their old nest.
Once you're ready to remove nests, take a look inside to be sure there are no young. Removing nests this year will not be a problem for next year's birds as most will remake new nests then anyway. Furthermore, the open nests around your home will not be used for winter comfort either so you don't have to worry about your winter birds.
John Wiessinger ( July 11, 2003)