We found this nest in our Silver Maple tree and sure would like to know who it belongs to. We'd also like to know if it's OK to remove it from the tree (with branches intact) or will the bird be back next year to use it again.

We're in southwest Louisiana in the "piney woods" or so some say.

Maybe one of you can help.
Thanks, Nancy






Nancy
SW Louisiana

Nancy,

As a general rule birds rebuild from scratch, a new nest each year, its part of their nesting instinct. They may use the same nest in the same season if they renest or had a failed nest. Than they usually mke adjustments to the reused nest. I'm not sure which bird built that nest so I can't completely answer your question about disposing it. But if your interest is to SAVE to nest, than I'd wait awhile to assure its empty and than I wouldn't cut the branches, just cut the pieces of the nest its attached to, unless you aren't concerned about cutting the tree.....

Pretty though, how high up was th enest, that can help with an ID. I know Orioles have those shaped nest, but the size is probably a warbler.



Pam NJ 6B

The nest was up about 8 feet off the ground. I stood on a ladder to take the photos.

Nancy
SW Louisiana

I don't want to throw cold water on the idea here, but...

Just for reference, it's illegal to collect the nests of any bird covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (just as it's illegal to catch the birds themselves). While in theory there's no harm from removing and keeping an abandoned nest, the problem is that if people can collect nests, it creates a market for them - which tempts the unscrupulous into taking any nest they see in order to sell them.

The prohibition doesn't mean you can't remove an inactive nest, provided you don't keep it. Obviously, it's a whole 'nother story if the nest is still active.

For more information, seehttp://www.fws.gov/permits/mbpermits/PoliciesHandbooks/MBPM-2.nest.PDF.

Kevin Morgan
Baton Rouge, LA

(No, I don't think the feds will come knocking on your door if you did keep the nest. However, it's technically not legal to do so.)

Thanks for the info, Kevin. We'll just drag the grandchildren out to the tree to look at the nest.

Nancy
SW Louisiana