Pigeons roosting at the top of a tree needing cutting down

elsbels1234 · #1 (**permalink**) 22-12-2011, 05:44 PM

Hi all, We have a large eucalyptus tree (60 feet high) which is far too big for the size of our garden. There is a nest right at the top and evidence that 3 x pigeons roost there. We plan to cut the tree down but I am worried about the best time of year to do this and what the pigeons will do? ie will they have enough time to build another nest in another tree & whether it would be in time for the breeding season?
Thanks!

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 22-12-2011, 05:47 PM

If the nest is not active i.e. there are no eggs or chicks in it then it can be cut down whenever. Have they recently built the nest?

These birds will move to another roost site if you cut the tree down. They do not need the nest to roost in.

elsbels1234 · #3 (**permalink**) 22-12-2011, 05:53 PM

Hi.... we have only just moved into the house so don't know how long the nest has been there. Does it take them long to build another nest in another tree & when do they breed? Thanks!

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 22-12-2011, 05:59 PM

They can breed all year, I assume these are either woodpigeon or collared doves. Both usually breed between (Feb)March-Sept(Nov). They can build nests quite quickly, it usually takes less than 5 days. I think the best thing to do is watch them and see if there are any nestlings or eggs, given away by brooding birds sitting on the nest and if not remove the tree. Nests and roosting doves/pigeons are not linked. The fact that there are three birds is suggestive that it is not an active nest.

elsbels1234 · #5 (**permalink**) 22-12-2011, 06:11 PM

thanks for that! it's impossible to see in the nest as it's so high up , so if no evidence apparent then cutting it down in January should be ok?

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 22-12-2011, 06:13 PM

Yes thats fine. Look for birds sat on the nest incubating.

Kayleigh · #7 (**permalink**) 23-12-2011, 10:28 PM

You do know eucalyptus trees grow back if you don't kill them but they re easy to keep small by regular pruning..
Welcome to wab...

Adam Cheeseman · #8 (**permalink**) 24-12-2011, 08:40 AM

You are assuming that the nest was built by pigeons. If it looks like a proper nest shape chances are it wasn't built by pigeons as they make a very basic platform of just a few criss-crossed twigs. A proper nest at the top of a tree is more likely to have been built by something else, possibly even a squirrel's drey.

Cheers,

Adam

elsbels1234 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2012, 07:38 PM

thanks for the feedback,,, yes it looks like quite a big nest so maybe. We've decided to cut the tree down during January and trust the pigeons will find another tree!