From Nature’s Edge

Think you can just take down a bird’s nest? Not so fast…

Did you know that 99% of birds in the U.S. are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act? That protection covers not only the birds, but also their feathers, parts, nests, and eggs.

Inactive nests (empty or still being built) can be removed.

Active nests (with adults, eggs, or chicks) are protected and cannot be disturbed-unless there’s a health or safety concern.

Recently, we responded to a call where barn owls had nested inside a homeowner’s workshop. This was unsafe for the people using the space and dangerous for the owls in an enclosed building. In cases like this, a federally permitted wildlife rehabilitator can step in to remove the nest and care for the eggs or chicks.

We now have six barn owl eggs incubating at the rescue. Once hatched, the babies will be raised and released back into the wild this fall.

1 Important reminder:

If you have a bird situation that presents a health or safety concern, please contact us or your closest federally permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Nests may only be removed in conjunction with a rehabber to ensure the safety of both humans and birds.