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Old 09-03-2006, 09:25 PM
PhilBriggs PhilBriggs is offline
Police Wildlife Crime Officer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Blanefield, Scotland
Posts: 46
Re: nesting starlings

Quote:
Originally Posted by wildone
Is it not illegal to destroy any wild bird's nests especially at this time of the year. I would also think that now you would be running a high risk of destroying eggs. I wonder what the Wildlife Crime Officer's thoughts are on this.

It is known that Starling numbers are declining so do they really need the extra hassle of people getting rid of their nests. They are all part of nature and I wonder why you think they should disturb the House Martins.

wildone
Willdone is quite correct in saying its not illegal to remove old nests, BUT ONLY FOR COMMON SPECIES, if it’s a schedule one species, then under new legislation that came into force in Scotland in 2004, it is an offence to remove these nests even when unoccupied. There is always an exception though and licences can be gained for removal under certain conditions. I believe the English and Welsh legislation will mirror this when it’s reviewed this year.
I often get reports of house martins nests being knocked away from the eves of roofs whilst being built. This too is against the law and that applies to any species of nest whilst it’s being built.

I also agree that you should welcome these wee birds as their numbers are seeming to be getting lower each year.


Phil
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