What is this nest for?

PaulButler

PaulButler

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,194
Name
Paul
Edit My Images
No
We've recently moved and we have a nest under the soffit. I'm not sure what the nest is for, or even if it is (or will be) in use. Anyone any ideas?
nest_D810-0512.jpg

Ta muchly.
 
Looks like a swallow nest to me.
 
PaulButler said:
Thanks Ken, do you know if they use the same nest year on year?
Click to expand...

Yes they do, they were a right PITA in my workshop at work, they had a nest in the opposite corner to the door, which meant them passing in and out 24/7 crapping on all the outboards I was working on!
 
As above. I've seen swallows return year after year to the same nest in a farmhouse I did some work in.
It looks like one, but I'm not 100% sure.
 
Nawty said:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/s/swallow/legal.aspx

Irrespective of the law, I would leave it as it is lovely having swallows flying around in the summer.
Click to expand...
Yep, thanks for the link Ned, I found that when I googled it.

One of the challenges we face is the alarm system needs some work doing on it, and the nest is built over it ... I'll seek advice and have no intention of breaking any laws. I'm not averse to it staying put, it is just outside my study window so may offer some interesting photo opportunities.
 
It seems your in the sh!t if you do and in the sh!t if you don't. I know my sister complains about them at her villa. We wouldn't put up with a dog or cat sh!tting in our doorsteps but put wings on them and there is nowt we can do about it.
 
IF the nest isn't currently in use or being refurbished, I think you can legally remove it. Once the birds are back in residence, they're the bosses. They'll be back soon if not already. Phone the RSPB for clarification. I would leave the nest be but since the alarm needs work, I would get it sorted before they return.
 
frank said:
It seems your in the sh!t if you do and in the sh!t if you don't. I know my sister complains about them at her villa. We wouldn't put up with a dog or cat sh!tting in our doorsteps but put wings on them and there is nowt we can do about it.
Click to expand...
as long as they aint riding push bikes leave them alone ,if on cycles shoot on site
 
RSBP says....

Legal status
Swallows and their nests are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird. It is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the eggs, young or nest of a swallow whilst it is being built or in use.

That would suggest if it's empty (eg not at all currently occupied by a breeding pair) you can remove it.
 
Looks like the nest, being so closed at the top, could be a house martin's.
 
Same rules apply to removing a House Martin nest as to Swallows.
 
bledyn125 said:
definatley looks like a house martins nest
Click to expand...


Could well be, Swallow's nests tend to have hay in them and poking out the top.

Basically, if it's in a barn / building it'll be a swallow as they prefer a bit of cover, if its high up under the eves of a house it'll be a House Martin which are equally as lovely.
 
PaulButler said:
Looking at images on the net it does look like a house martins nest. According to the RSPB they are in decline so this one stays for now. They are a beautiful bird anyway :)
Click to expand...


Last year, for the first time, House Martins nested around us (neighbours houses) and we are in a 60's estate on the edge of town. I felt so lucky :)
 
DorsetDude said:
FTFY :)
Click to expand...
Well almost unless they are exempted by the General licence ;)

You can catch alive or kill, as well as take, damage or destroy the nests, or take or destroy the eggs of:
  • Canada geese
  • monk parakeets
You can damage or destroy the nests, or to take or destroy their eggs of:
  • herring gulls
 
House Martins are fantastic little creatures. There is a converted oast house just off a public footpath near me, and in the Summer it is fascinating to see the birds performing aerobatics around the courtyard, through the stable buildings and then out into the fields where they restock on food to take back to their young.
 
Nawty said:
Last year, for the first time, House Martins nested around us (neighbours houses) and we are in a 60's estate on the edge of town. I felt so lucky :)
Click to expand...
Hopefully I'll get to see some :)

Cobra said:
Well almost unless they are exempted by the General licence ;)

You can catch alive or kill, as well as take, damage or destroy the nests, or take or destroy the eggs of:
  • Canada geese
  • monk parakeets
You can damage or destroy the nests, or to take or destroy their eggs of:
  • herring gulls
Click to expand...
Defo not geese or gulls - nest is far too small ;) - as for parakeets ... who knows

andy700 said:
House Martins are fantastic little creatures. There is a converted oast house just off a public footpath near me, and in the Summer it is fascinating to see the birds performing aerobatics around the courtyard, through the stable buildings and then out into the fields where they restock on food to take back to their young.
Click to expand...
I'm not much of a "birder" but it will be interesting to see if they return.
 
PaulButler said:
as for parakeets ... who knows
Click to expand...
:D

Actually, be careful, although I know you said that you are keeping it.
There was a story a couple of years ago in the "trade press" a replacement window fitter came across a Swallows nest, and as it was in his way,
he carefully cut it away, did what he needed to do and mastic'd it back in place.

He was seen doing this by a "concerned citizen" who video'd it,
£5,000 fine for the fitter, for disturbing the nest.
 
Cobra said:
:D

Actually, be careful, although I know you said that you are keeping it.
There was a story a couple of years ago in the "trade press" a replacement window fitter came across a Swallows nest, and as it was in his way,
he carefully cut it away, did what he needed to do and mastic'd it back in place.

He was seen doing this by a "concerned citizen" who video'd it,
£5,000 fine for the fitter, for disturbing the nest.
Click to expand...
Yes, it's staying for now. If it remains empty through summer then in the winter I'll probably remove it, if it gets used then it can stay as long as it's in use. I believe that is ok in terms of the law etc, can't afford a 5K fine :eek:
 
PaulButler said:
Yes, it's staying for now. If it remains empty through summer then in the winter I'll probably remove it, if it gets used then it can stay as long as it's in use. I believe that is ok in terms of the law etc, can't afford a 5K fine :eek:
Click to expand...
Wildlife crime £5,000 fine and / or 6 months in jail !
Swallows and their nests are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird. It is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the eggs, young or nest of a swallow whilst it is being built or in use.
The Act allows for fines or prison sentences for every bird, egg or nest destroyed.
Click to expand...
 
PaulButler said:
Yes, it's staying for now. If it remains empty through summer then in the winter I'll probably remove it, if it gets used then it can stay as long as it's in use. I believe that is ok in terms of the law etc, can't afford a 5K fine :eek:
Click to expand...
No problems removing it winter. The swallows will be in Africa so definitely wont be using it then. Nice to leave it if they do show up this year though. My moneys on house martin.
 
Is that for the Gold Cup or the National?
 
Bit of a thread revival and update ... the nest is in use and they are house martins. I doubt I'll win any awards as a bird photographer, but my excuse is these are seriously quick little buggers ;) They have chicks and are actively feeding them. The downside is they are leaving an ever increasing pile of bird crap below ...

On approach ...
house_martins_D810-1092 by Paul, on Flickr

Precision entry ...
house_martins_D810-1093 by Paul, on Flickr

Safe to leave? ...
house_martins_D810-1124 by Paul, on Flickr

Lets get outta here ...
house_martins_D810-1125 by Paul, on Flickr

Feeding on the wing (think I may need a longer lens!!!)
house_martins_D810-1103 by Paul, on Flickr
 
Whilst watching them each parent had a different approach to feeding the young (at least as best I can tell) the first sequence below show one of them and I have no idea if it is the male or female, this goes into the nest to feed the young
house_martins_D810-1127 by Paul, on Flickr
house_martins_D810-1130 by Paul, on Flickr

The other one seems to perch on the edge and then shoots off
house_martins_D810-1144 by Paul, on Flickr
house_martins_D810-1145 by Paul, on Flickr
house_martins_D810-1146 by Paul, on Flickr

If time permits I'll try and get some more pics and see if I can do any better.
 
I'd consider myself honoured to have house martins/swallows/swifts nesting on my house. However as its a bungalow, unlikely. Do have swifts flying over the back though which is nice.
 
DorsetDude said:
I'd consider myself honoured to have house martins/swallows/swifts nesting on my house. However as its a bungalow, unlikely. Do have swifts flying over the back though which is nice.
Click to expand...
They are lovely to watch :)
 
Indeed. And the cleaning up of their crap is a small price to pay for the entertainment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top