Have to move birds nest because apartment complex decided to do renovations (1 Viewer)

[PangoBara]

Hello,

I have a morning dove nest in the planter hanging on my 3rd floor balcony that's been there for a few weeks. A morning dove laid eggs and there are now some pretty freshly hatched baby birds in the nest.

My apartment complex manager just sent an email stating that all items must be removed from balconies and porches because the workers will be power washing everything very soon (and they are likely to hop up on the balcony and change the siding as well after).

I don't know what to do about this. The nest is one of my and my fiancée's few joys with how stressful things have been lately AND it feels like there is no way that this does not result in the death of the baby birds (whether I move it or not).

Do I have any options?

 

[emc]

See if there are any bylaws on disturbing wildlife

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

In many countries, it is illegal to move an active nest. Check the law for your state - it will be under something like protection of wild life - and if it is illegal, show it to the manager and explain it is illegal and what the penalties are.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Also explain that Mourning Dove take a couple of weeks to fledge so that only a minor delay is required.

All the best

Paul

 

[delia todd]

Hi PangoBara and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

This will be the page on the USF&W website: https://www.fws.gov/story/bird-nests I hope you find it useful.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[PangoBara]

Hello,

Thank you all for the resources and advice. I will look into it further. It does seem like it is illegal to move it, but I'm sure it'll still be a fight with the leasing office.

Wish me the best of luck.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum. It is definitely illegal to not only move the nest but disturb the nest. I think you could make an argument that power washing beside/behind the net would also be disturbing it. Print off the migratory bird act, highlight the particular portion. Tell them how much longer the nestlings will be in it and then see what they do.