Birds in the eaves. What to do?

stuart45

I built a small nesting box from some old timber and next day some blue tits started going in. Couple of weeks ago a saw a great tit looking like it was fighting with the bird inside. Looking online it seems that nesting boxes are getting harder to come by, and the great tit sometimes kills the blue ones.
I was fascinated, but my wife told me to go out and break it up, then I had to build another house for the intruder, which he seems to have gone in.

GDB2222

Andy_L said:

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

Thanks, Andy. I was vaguely aware of that.  I have no intention of doing any of the things proscribed by that act. 

Eldi_Dos

Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow has a birds nest made out of Chaff which the RAF dropped to disrupt radar. It's fascinating to see something so fragile that has survived so long. I am always grateful that someone had the foresight to bring it back with them.

TELLIT01

Look closely to see where the birds are entering.  In autumn find a way to block the access points an prevent any nesting next year.

NorfolkCanary

TELLIT01 said:

Look closely to see where the birds are entering.  In autumn find a way to block the access points an prevent any nesting next year.

Why? Unless they're doing any damage, then let nature be nature?

GDB2222

NorfolkCanary said:

TELLIT01 said:

Look closely to see where the birds are entering.  In autumn find a way to block the access points an prevent any nesting next year.

Why? Unless they're doing any damage, then let nature be nature?

I'll stick up some nesting boxes next year, as I really like watching the little things flitting around.

I have no idea what breed they are, as they are far too quick for me to see properly.

twopenny

Unless they are woodpeckers I wouldn't worry.
I used to have sparrows nesting in the wall where the gutter went in. Blackbirds at the side and housemartins at front.
I would wake up to chirping every morning from teeny tiny to loud so could follow their progress.
A real privilege.

shiraz99

Birds nesting in eaves can cause damage. As mentioned above the can pick at roofing felt, they can also pick away at mortar holding hip and ridge tiles. Unfortunately there's nothing legally you can do during nesting but I'd agree, get up there during autumn/winter and block the area they're getting in and give them an alternative by setting up one or more next boxes.

TELLIT01

NorfolkCanary said:

TELLIT01 said:

Look closely to see where the birds are entering.  In autumn find a way to block the access points an prevent any nesting next year.

Why? Unless they're doing any damage, then let nature be nature?

They are potentially doing damage where it can't be seen.  Far better to take steps to prevent damage than to have to address the problem after the event.  They will find new nest sites easily enough.

badger09

The deserted nests, and possibly occupied ones, also attract unwanted insects. Baby birds are not known for their personal hygiene and the droppings from a large nest makes a real mess on a cream panted wall. 

I do love watching the parents feeding them, then the fledglings. 

Currently enjoying the antics of blackbirds teaching youngsters to drink & bathe in our makeshift birdbaths (terracotta plant saucers). Once they’ve got the hang of it the youngsters are just like kids who don’t want to get out of the swimming pool😎