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--- the_protection_of_birds_during_nesting_season [2026/03/05 15:44] – administrator
+++ the_protection_of_birds_during_nesting_season [2026/03/06 11:25] (current) – administrator
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 ===== Introduction =====
-All wild birds are protected during nesting season. This includes their nests, whilst in use or being built, as well as any eggs the nest may contain. Under the [[https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/legal-framework/birds-directive-and-wildlife-and-countryside-act-1981 | The Birds Directive and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]] it is an offence to:
+{{ :house_sparrow.jpeg?200|}}All wild birds are protected during nesting season. This includes their nests, whilst in use or being built, as well as any eggs the nest may contain. Under  [[https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/legal-framework/birds-directive-and-wildlife-and-countryside-act-1981 | The Birds Directive and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]] it is an offence to:
   * intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird,
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 ===== Houses and Roof Spaces =====
-The [[https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/legal-framework/birds-directive-and-wildlife-and-countryside-act-1981 | The Birds Directive and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]]WCA applies also to birds nesting in roof spaces or buildings. Many birds use roof spaces for nesting, and they are generally doing no harm or damage whilst there. The most frequent roof nesters are starlings and house sparrows, both of which are red listed because of major population declines. Because all wild birds and their active nests are protected by law, it would be a criminal offence to remove or block off an active nest. It is recommended that any roofing work is scheduled to be done outside the spring and summer months when birds are likely to be nesting. If swifts are nesting in the roof, then please always allow them to continue to share your home. Swifts are quiet when inside the roof and cause no problems at all. They are suffering from a shortage of nesting sites, and any lost site is very difficult to replace. House martins are amber listed because of their population decline, and should be allowed to nest too. Young starlings can be a bit noisy during the last few days before fledging, and it is understandable that a nest above a bedroom might be a little bit of a nuisance. However, this is not a justifiable reason to remove a nest or to block the entrance into the roof space. It usually does not take them very long anyway until they are fully fledged. If you must deter birds from nesting in your roof, work to deny access must be done during the winter months, and not when they are nesting. Also, regarding other roof nesting species, one should bear in mind that some native species like pigeons can nest throughout the year. It is also recommended to install chimney cowls to avoid jackdaws or owls being trapped in a chimney or behind a fire place.
+[[https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/legal-framework/birds-directive-and-wildlife-and-countryside-act-1981 | The Birds Directive and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]] applies also to birds nesting in roof spaces or buildings. Many birds use roof spaces for nesting, and they are generally doing no harm or damage whilst there. The most frequent roof nesters are starlings and house sparrows, both of which are red listed because of major population declines. Because all wild birds and their active nests are protected by law, it would be a criminal offence to remove or block off an active nest. It is recommended that any roofing work is scheduled to be done outside the spring and summer months when birds are likely to be nesting. If swifts are nesting in the roof, then please always allow them to continue to share your home. Swifts are quiet when inside the roof and cause no problems at all. They are suffering from a shortage of nesting sites, and any lost site is very difficult to replace. House martins are amber listed because of their population decline, and should be allowed to nest too. Young starlings can be a bit noisy during the last few days before fledging, and it is understandable that a nest above a bedroom might be a little bit of a nuisance. However, this is not a justifiable reason to remove a nest or to block the entrance into the roof space. It usually does not take them very long anyway until they are fully fledged. If you must deter birds from nesting in your roof, work to deny access must be done during the winter months, and not when they are nesting. Also, regarding other roof nesting species, one should bear in mind that some native species like pigeons can nest throughout the year. It is also recommended to install chimney cowls to avoid jackdaws or owls being trapped in a chimney or behind a fire place.
 ===== Legal Considerations and Conundrums =====