Where To Look For Unwanted Bird Nests
Spring means birds are scouting nesting locations, which can be delightful but sometimes inconvenient or even dangerous depending on where they build!
Spring is in full swing in Massachusetts, and with it comes the many species of birds that fly off each year to enjoy winter down south. Now that the birds are back, they are once again scoping out prime real estate to build their seasonal homes. While it can be exciting to witness a bird raising their family in a tree or bush near your house, there are some places they try to build that can be inconvenient for humans and or downright dangerous for the birds themselves.
A local wildlife rescue, Wild Care Cape Cod, recently had to deal with one such issue when a pair of nesting finches were found on a boat trailer in Mashpee, Massachusetts, after the trailer had been moved. Sadly, in this instance, re-nesting the birds was not an option. In an effort to help prevent this from happening further, Wild Care Cape Cod has offered the following tips for the public:
Check your boat shrink wrap. We get calls about House Finch and Carolina Wren nests in boats when the shrink wrap comes off. Now's the time to check for birds starting nests and discouraging them by removing the nesting material or blocking off the area before the nest is complete. Once there are eggs or chicks in the nest, they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and should not be touched. Also, check your boat trailer hitches as they make a nice cavity for nesting birds.
Check your lawnmowers, grills, and outdoor equipment. These have usually been idle all winter and their nooks and crannies make good places for mice and other little mammals.
Check for any current nests (if you find one, call us for advice on how to encourage mama mouse to move her whole family), and if you don't find any, the best way to discourage nesting is to use the equipment or just move it regularly.
Wild Care is a non-profit wildlife rescue 501 (c)(3) corporation based in Eastham, Massachusetts. Their mission is to treat orphaned, injured, and sick native wildlife so they can be safely released back into the wild. Toward this goal, they seek to educate the public, offer live counseling, and encourage community conservation through volunteerism. They have cared for over 30,000 animals since their creation.
Where are they located: 10 Smith Lane, Eastham, MA
When are they open: Every Day, 9 AM - 5 PM
Phone Number: 508-240-2255
As a non-profit rescue, Wild Care Cape Cod relies heavily on the support of its local community through donations and volunteers. If you would like to assist Wild Care Cape Cod in its noble goal of helping in-need wildlife, you can find information about volunteering here. You can also provide support by donating. More information on donating can be found here.
