Removed a swallows nest - did I do bad?
Discussion
I've had a family of swallows living on the fascia board at the front of my house this Summer - despite the neverending stream of droppings I decided to wait until the young'uns flew the nest before taking it down. I noticed yesterday that the nest was empty - I waited until today before removing it (it was completely empty). Problem is the birds have shown up this evening and they are constantly flying up to where the nest was obviously looking for it. I feel awful now, maybe I should have waited a few more days, I thought that once they flew the nest that was it? 
Long after they have fledged they will continue to return to the nest site. Eventually they will fly off. The parents and young will often try and nest in the same area again next year.
I have spent several weeks every year watching them nest, fledge and return on my hols in France. The buildings are ideal for nesting and they make mud nests on window sills and overhangs everywhere.
As long as you didn't have any young or eggs in the nest it will be fine. Nests can fall off even without anyone touching them and the birds have to roost elsewhere in that case.
I have spent several weeks every year watching them nest, fledge and return on my hols in France. The buildings are ideal for nesting and they make mud nests on window sills and overhangs everywhere.
As long as you didn't have any young or eggs in the nest it will be fine. Nests can fall off even without anyone touching them and the birds have to roost elsewhere in that case.
Turbodiesel1690 said:
I've had a family of swallows living on the fascia board at the front of my house this Summer - despite the neverending stream of droppings I decided to wait until the young'uns flew the nest before taking it down. I noticed yesterday that the nest was empty - I waited until today before removing it (it was completely empty). Problem is the birds have shown up this evening and they are constantly flying up to where the nest was obviously looking for it. I feel awful now, maybe I should have waited a few more days, I thought that once they flew the nest that was it?
that was nice of you these tiny little creatures endure a complete b
d of a life.Travelling thousands of miles every year surely a little bird crap will not hurt.I have them ove rmy car so i just move my ca rout and further and have a cover over it.
Imagine if your kids come home form school and found their house destroyed.
d of a life.Travelling thousands of miles every year surely a little bird crap will not hurt.I have them ove rmy car so i just move my ca rout and further and have a cover over it.Imagine if your kids come home form school and found their house destroyed.
y2blade said:
we have Six House-Martin nests on the side and front of my house...I'd not dream of destroying them
why would you do that?
just watch how hard the parents work to feed the young and watch over them until they leave the nest.if you pay attention around now you will see them all getting together prior to flying off to Africa I wonder who says ok lets go...why would you do that?
johnxjsc1985 said:
y2blade said:
we have Six House-Martin nests on the side and front of my house...I'd not dream of destroying them
why would you do that?
just watch how hard the parents work to feed the young and watch over them until they leave the nest.if you pay attention around now you will see them all getting together prior to flying off to Africa I wonder who says ok lets go...why would you do that?
fascinating creatures, a pleasure to share my house with them
y2blade said:
johnxjsc1985 said:
y2blade said:
we have Six House-Martin nests on the side and front of my house...I'd not dream of destroying them
why would you do that?
just watch how hard the parents work to feed the young and watch over them until they leave the nest.if you pay attention around now you will see them all getting together prior to flying off to Africa I wonder who says ok lets go...why would you do that?
fascinating creatures, a pleasure to share my house with them
johnxjsc1985 said:
these tiny little creatures endure a complete bd of a life.
d of a life.
They choose to do everything they do. The young uns grow up, learn to fly, stay with the parents for a while and leave.
They might be cute but the amount they crap everywhere I'd certainly destroy any nests on my house (a few months after hatching/leaving the nest) and do whatever to prevent them returning.
I've got a few huge trees around me so plenty of room for them to nest there and compete with the grey squirrels.
At least the OP asked for advice, and now knows. Unfortunately with the benefit of hindsight. . . Etc
Many people just don't care. Which is a shame.
As a kid I remember iirc having a telescope trained on a Robin's nest in a hedgerow and I found it fascinating, almost reliant on it I was. Ahem.
Many people just don't care. Which is a shame.
As a kid I remember iirc having a telescope trained on a Robin's nest in a hedgerow and I found it fascinating, almost reliant on it I was. Ahem.
We had two hatchings this year, the first was from nest one in the corner of the garage and then once that clutch had fledged the parents moved to nest two in the top middle of the garage and had another 4, all 8 babies survived and we have ten swallows/swifts/housemartins "top gunning" about the place. Soon they will fly off and we look forward to seeing them again next year.
Digger said:
At least the OP asked for advice, and now knows. Unfortunately with the benefit of hindsight. . . Etc
Many people just don't care. Which is a shame.
As a kid I remember iirc having a telescope trained on a Robin's nest in a hedgerow and I found it fascinating, almost reliant on it I was. Ahem.
fair comment Many people just don't care. Which is a shame.
As a kid I remember iirc having a telescope trained on a Robin's nest in a hedgerow and I found it fascinating, almost reliant on it I was. Ahem.
and, very droll
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