Section
I - Instructions for Nesting Birds: Disturbance Responses |
(What
we can do when a call or communication is received about a
nest disturbance incident) |
Commonly
Asked Questions and Answers to Nesting Bird Issues |
| |
| Q. |
How
do I learn what to do about nesting bird issues? |
| |
A. |
Read
the Urban Sanctuaries Book thoroughly. |
| Q. |
What
does the law say about destroying bird nests? |
| |
A.
|
The Migratory Bird
Treaty Act and the CA fish and Game Code both prohibit anyone
from harassing, harming, or killing any native North American
bird (except those excluded as game birds) and prohibits destroying
or collecting eggs. Essentially they protect almost all active
nests from being disturbed or destroyed. |
| Q. |
What
is an active nest? |
| |
A. |
A nest is usually
considered "active" when it contains viable eggs or
chicks. |
| Q. |
Can
a person destroy an inactive nest? |
| |
A.
|
Yes, for instance,
a homeowner can wash down a swallow's nest when it is not nesting
season, and in some cities, anytime before the swallows lay
eggs. However, it may require permission f rom DFG or proof
that the nest is inactive. |
| Q. |
Are
there times when the law allows an "active" nest to
be destroyed or disturbed? |
| |
A.
|
Yes, active nest
destruction can occur with permitts such as in cases of public
safety. Also, disturbances can occur when birds nest in areas
with existing/ongoing disturbances — such as over a highway
or bridge. |
| Q. |
What
is the best way to stop someone from destroying an active nest? |
| |
A. |
• Take lots
of pictures. |
| |
|
• Ask them
directly to stop—threaten to call the Dept. of Fish &
Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal Commission, Audubon,
local animal control, and/or the Press. |
| |
|
• Hand out
info from the Urban Sanctuaries Packet/Book |
| |
|
• Follow through
on the threat(s) if necessary. |
| Q. |
Where
do I find the contacts for DFG, USFWS, and so on? |
| |
A. |
In this Tree Trimming
packet (see bottom of first
page) |
| |
|
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