Do birds use the same nest twice?

Often when clients are looking to remove a bird’s nest from their property, they are keen to do their due diligence and ensure they are in keeping with the law. As such, one of the most frequent questions we receive is ‘do birds use the same nest twice?’.

In this article, we will be answering this question and how best to proceed with removing bird nests.

Do birds use the same nests more than once? 

Many birds will only use their nests once and abandon them, but some species of bird will reuse their nests. This list typically includes the Golden Eagle, the White-Tailed Eagle and the Osprey. As these are larger bird species, their nests must be larger, which means they take a lot more time and effort to build. As such, these species are renowned for returning to their nests, fixing any damage and raising their young there once again. Therefore, if you come across a nest you suspect is from a larger bird species, it is safe to assume that they will return to the site.

Can you move or destroy a birds nest? 

The removal of nests is a tricky territory with birds, their nests and eggs all being protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 part 1. This law makes it illegal to remove a nest whilst it is being used or built, but it can be removed once they are no longer in use or not in the process of being built, with the exception of the aforementioned larger bird species.

If you are looking to remove a bird nest, it is always advised to wait until the end of the nesting season as some bird species will have more than one brood in the same nest.

The dos and don’ts of birds nest removal 

The first step in bird nest removal is to prevent any more birds from nesting by removing any sources of food and shelter. Open bins should be secured as well as sealing any small areas they could easily nestle into. Placing deterrents on your guttering, roof, window ledges, and vents can also be effective in preventing any more birds from roosting on your property.

The next step is to ensure that the bird’s nest is empty and no longer used before removing it. If there are any signs of recent bird activity or eggs present, do not try to remove them. Birds will often come back and forth to their nest with nesting materials, so always thoroughly check before taking action.

You should also ensure that you are removing the nest outside of nesting season (the season is February to August). But also be mindful that some birds can nest outside this period, and birds such as pigeons will nest year-round. If you are unsure whether a nest is in use, it is always advisable to speak to a bird control professional who can identify the species, if the nest is in use and how best to remove it.

Get in touch for bird nest removal

If you are concerned about birds nesting on your property, please visit our Nesting Birds page to find out how we can help. Our team specialise in bird proofing properties and the removal of birds and nests from your site.

If you would like to know more about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 0151 345 6854 or email us at info@urbanhawks.co.uk. Our team are more than happy to assist you and advise you on the best course of action.