Birds in the eaves. What to do?

GDB2222

I keep seeing tiny birds flying up into the roof area. I have not managed to work out exactly where they are going, and they are not disturbing us. 

I was thinking of getting the ladder out and checking what is going on. I am just concerned that there’s no damage to the roof. 

I thought that I would ask for advice first, as I could delay action for a week or two. I’m brilliant at procrastination!

FreeBear

Got starlings nesting under the eaves here, and they have done so for as long as I can remember. Apart from the noise, they don't do any damage - Took some convincing to persuade my lodger that it wasn't rats or mice running around up there.

I would leave any investigation until the chicks have fledged. Hopefully, mid June as long as there isn't a second clutch of eggs.

stuart45

They could be nesting at this time of the year, so you have to be aware of disturbing them. 

Soot2006

If they're not disturbing you, then don't disturb them -- until after the nesting season ends Get the ladder out in October and congratulate yourself on having a welcoming home until then. They're unlikely to do any damage, but they may leave a bit of a  mess behind depending on what birds they are. Many won't leave any mess at all.

Eldi_Dos

As long as no obvious damage to the roof or signs of nesting near a flue, enjoy they are good entertainment.

Read news article about a wood in Oxfordshire that has been part of a long term study and they feel that the nesting season is three weeks in advance of the norm this year.

BUFF

I have house sparrows & consider myself lucky (they are very much in decline in the UK).
I am contemplating getting a sparrow nest box for them after the breeding season though.

koalakoala

We had birds under the eaves ( no idea what kind ) and they pecked holes in the felt, allowing rain to enter our bathroom !

Grenage

Eldi_Dos said:

As long as no obvious damage to the roof or signs of nesting near a flue, enjoy they are good entertainment.

Read news article about a wood in Oxfordshire that has been part of a long term study and they feel that the nesting season is three weeks in advance of the norm this year.

Yup, blackbirds in our garden are already on their second brood.

Eldi_Dos

Grenage said:

Eldi_Dos said:

As long as no obvious damage to the roof or signs of nesting near a flue, enjoy they are good entertainment.

Read news article about a wood in Oxfordshire that has been part of a long term study and they feel that the nesting season is three weeks in advance of the norm this year.

Yup, blackbirds in our garden are already on their second brood.

Wonder if you could say what part of the country you are in.

I am on the east coast of Scotland and birds are still collecting nesting material, they. love the coir from our planters.
The seagulls and the crows are at this moment engaged in their annual dispute over territory.

Grenage

Eldi_Dos said:

Grenage said:

Eldi_Dos said:

As long as no obvious damage to the roof or signs of nesting near a flue, enjoy they are good entertainment.

Read news article about a wood in Oxfordshire that has been part of a long term study and they feel that the nesting season is three weeks in advance of the norm this year.

Yup, blackbirds in our garden are already on their second brood.

Wonder if you could say what part of the country you are in.

I am on the east coast of Scotland and birds are still collecting nesting material, they. love the coir from our planters.
The seagulls and the crows are at this moment engaged in their annual dispute over territory.

Portsmouth, so much further south!  They opted for dead creeping thyme from our garden.

Andy_L

What to do?

Nothing. Nesting birds are protected by law (with a few exemptions that are unlikely to apply). When they've left you can try & prevent them from nesting there again (unless its an Eagle or Osprey's nest. But if it was, I doubt you'd be complaining)

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69/contents