nesting starlings

marek horwocz · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 01:37 PM

dilemma, please help.

nesting starlings in my eaves. they are a noisy, aggresive bird as we all know. dont really want them around the garden this spring/summer as they may deter/bother other visitors (our regular summer residents the house martins are probably setting off from africa as I write). im tempted to destroy nest now but obviously dont want to run risk of damaging any eggs. will they have laid yet?

thoughts anyone?

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 02:26 PM

The ones in my eaves were excluded by using chicken wire but they are there again now so I will let them get on with it ,but next year.....

wildone · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 02:52 PM

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

nightshade · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 03:02 PM

I have seen swallows, starlings and sparrows sharing the same eaves on my favourite farm house they do not seem bothered ,dont play favourites they all need support nowdays

Lincs Yellowbelly · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marek horwocz

dilemma, please help.

nesting starlings in my eaves. they are a noisy, aggresive bird as we all know. dont really want them around the garden this spring/summer as they may deter/bother other visitors (our regular summer residents the house martins are probably setting off from africa as I write). im tempted to destroy nest now but obviously dont want to run risk of damaging any eggs. will they have laid yet?

thoughts anyone?

Starlings are really struggling these days, and we should be looking to help them nest not stop them IMO. I personally don't see what problem they cause, we have them around here and also have plenty of other birds around aswell

marek horwocz · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 08:05 PM

thanks for your feedback folks. you've just helped save a starling's nest! i had no idea they were struggling as a species. a year's probation I feel.

Lincs Yellowbelly · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 08:59 PM

My be of some interest http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/s/starling/index.asp

The red list means that the population has declined by 50% in the past 25years

PhilBriggs · #8 (**permalink**) 09-03-2006, 09:25 PM

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