Eike Tammekänd, the Head of the Nature Conservation Bureau at the Estonian Environmental Board, recalls that crows or gulls, for example, start choosing suitable nesting sites at the end of February and must not be disturbed during their nesting period. ‘Because of this it is a good idea to check the buildings as early as possible and, if necessary, prevent birds from accessing them. Disturbing birds during the nesting season is unethical and prohibited by law, as this is the most important and sensitive time for them,’ said Tammekänd.
Birds living in urban areas tend to be synanthropes, as there are fewer predators and plenty of food and nesting opportunities in cities. This means that their nesting sites are often associated with buildings. Pigeons nest on the cornices of buildings, gulls on roofs, jackdaws even in ventilation systems, and a small sparrow or a flycatcher may even build its nest in the lining of a house.
Eike Tammekänd pointed out that although it is interesting to observe the activities of nesting birds, especially with children, the Environmental Board receives reports every year of gulls, for example, attacking people to protect their young. ‘May or June may seem a long way off right now, but now is exactly the right time to prevent problems in late spring and early summer, and birds will have time to choose a more suitable nesting site. If nesting has already started, when the mother bird is hatching eggs or there are nestlings in the nest, you have to wait until they leave the nest,’ explained Tammekänd.
Homeowners and housing associations also play an important role in planning the timing of building repairs and renovations. It is best to prevent situations where construction work planned for spring or summer has to be postponed because of birds nesting. Birds such as crows, jackdaws and gulls are also attracted to nest close to humans because of easy access of food. It is definitely not worth feeding them, garbage bins should be kept closed and compost should be collected in a closed composter. The natural life cycle of nature should be interfered with as little as possible and birds are a natural part of the urban environment. Intervention is justified only to protect human health or property.
Practical advice:
• Cover with a net or repair any holes and gaps under the eaves and elsewhere.
• Keep your roof clear of debris and other potential materials for making a nest by inspecting it often. Do not keep unnecessary items on a flat roof or balcony.
• If necessary, use appropriate deterrents, such as images of birds of prey, kites floating on a rope, balls resembling eyes, etc. Change them often, because birds get used to them quickly.
• Install bird boxes in suitable places around the area.
