More nest destruction..........?

House Martin at nest (Photo courtesy of RSPB.org)

There is always conflict between man and birds when birds use buildings (or vehicles!!) as nest sites!! House Martins and Swallows are a classic example. House Martins nest under the eaves of houses and other buildings, making a small dome of mud in which to raise their young. The nest, eggs and birds are afforded the same protection as any other birds and it is illegal to remove their nests whilst they are building it or using it. They are particularly late this year and can have a couple of broods, which is worth bearing in mind if you are thinking of knocking down that nest because of the mess they are making. Each egg or young killed can be a fine of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison! We do get a lot of reports at this time of year from concerned neighbours about this problem and we will investigate reports of this kind. Likewise for Swallows who tend to use barns and out buildings to nest. Think twice about removing those nests just because of the mess the birds leave on your car!

 

We recently had a report of a Pied Wagtail nesting in a forklift truck that was going to be moved. Fortunately the owner sought advice from the Wildlife Crimes Group and the birds are now safely behind a cordoned off area!

Pied Wagtail nest in machinery (generic image from Flickr)

Egg Thief, "Moraly Repugnant'

Little Tern off the Isles of Scilly (Photo:J.Pender)

Conservationists fear a colony of endangered sea birds on the North East coast could be wiped out after eggs from breeding pairs were stolen.

Durham Heritage Coast wardens said about 50 eggs from 65 nesting pairs of Little Terns had been taken from the site at Crimdon, near Hartlepool READ MORE

Hedge and Tree Felling

Driving around our counties recently I have noticed a lot of trees, hedges and verges behing cut, either by contractors or members of the public. Due to the weather many of our birds have a had a late breeding season, so if you are about to cut back your gardens or hedgrows, please consider that there may still be a few late nesting birds in them. Check first to avoid prosecution!!

thank you,

WCO Paul Freestone