Is Removing a Birds Nest From Your Property Legal?

Finding a bird's nest on your property can be a pleasant surprise in some situations. Discovering a nest of eggs and witnessing the process of hatching and the growth of the tiny baby birds can be a wonderful distraction from a busy daily routine. In some cases, however, a nest of birds can give homeowners a long list of problems. Sometimes, the location of the nest on your property, such as on your roof, in a gutter or inside of a rafter, may cause damage to your home. A family of birds may also lead to constant bird droppings on your car and siding, noise from the birds and health risks to your pets and family members from the potential for disease from feathers, bird droppings or nest materials. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, our approach to animal control in Oshawa includes humane strategies that legally solve problems like birds. In Ontario and throughout Canada, there are laws regulating birds and their nests. Many species of birds are federally protected by regulations and prohibit homeowners from removing nests themselves. Homeowners must get approval if a nest or group of birds is causing a nuisance or damage to their property. Partnering with a licensed wildlife control company can help homeowners take care of these issues without having to worry about breaking federal laws. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMCTBxSOl6Q[/embed]

Protected Species

Legislation like the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act makes it a crime to remove most bird's nests and eggs from your property without prior approval. Since it is not usually possible for individuals to get a permit to remove most nests and eggs, it's best to hire an expert to take care of it. Certain species of birds get special protections in Ontario due to their endangered or threatened status. Some of these birds have limited numbers, requiring the government to step in so that they don't become extinct. There are 11 protected bird species in Ontario. It is unlawful to interfere with these birds or their nests unless the wildlife company gets special permission from the Ministry of Natural Resources.  The protected species are the:

• Bald eagle
• American white pelican
• Eskimo curlew
• Golden eagle
• King rail
• Peregrine falcon
• Piping plover
• Henslow's sparrow
• Loggerhead shrike
• Prothonotary warbler
• Kirtland's warbler

There are also a few species that are able to be removed without any permission. Birds, nests and eggs of the following species can be removed without a permit:

• American crow
• House sparrow
• European starling
• Red-winged blackbird
• Common grackle
• Brown-headed cowbird

Hire a Company To Help With Nest Removal

Homeowners and individuals who break the laws designed to protect birds may face stiff penalties. If someone is caught removing nests or eggs or disturbing a protected bird's habitat, violations could lead to fines or jail. Taking care of a bird's nest or eggs yourself is not a good idea; however, you don't have to simply give up and live with a family of birds that is damaging your property or putting your family at risk of disease. To avoid violating the series of laws that protect many birds in Ontario, it's best to work with a skilled company of experts that has experience and knowledge about the regulations for wildlife in the Ontario area. Find out how you can protect your property and work with a wildlife control company to solve a bird problem. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for more information about steps to take when a nest is potentially damaging your property or birds are becoming a nuisance to you and your family.