Bird nest

Lex Luthor

We have just come back to our holiday home to discover a swallow nest built into the canopy just above front door.

It's active and we can see them flying in and out. We'd like to relocate it as the mess it's causing on the front door step. Any suggestions? Will they vacate it at some point coming up to winter? We could remove it then without causing stress to the birds?

donegal.

afaik its illegal to touch a swallows nest when its in use as they're a protected species .
and i think they nest in the same place the every year so you'll have to do something to stop them next year.


have a read here
http://www.wildlifemanagement.ie/swallows/

Bunnyslippers

Leave well alone this year, sounds like they've got their second batch of chicks. If you touch it now they'll leave their chicks and they'll die, as said above its illegal to touch them. It's only a bit of poop it won't kill you, they'll be gone in a couple of weeks or so as the babies will fledge!:)
Remove the nest at the end of the season and either put up an artificial one in a place you don't mind them being for next season to encourage them to nest there.

endacl

Lucky you, OP.

If you stand back a little bit and give a short rising whistle, as if you were calling a dog, they'll pop their little heads up, expecting food. Very cute, and you can follow their progress. Bet you'll be looking forward to seeing them back next year!

Re the poop, put a small cheap mat under the nest site. It's only a problem if you decide it's a problem.

Lex Luthor

Seen a few fly in and out this evening. Looks fairly crowded in there so thinking the chicks are getting big.

Honestly wouldn't want them back year in year. Its a fair mess right at the door. Sq ft of t and all over door and wall. Will let them alone now and climb up after they've vacated