It is not uncommon for birds to build nests next to human dwellings. I currently have a nest in the eaves between my front porch and roof and I can hear the baby birds when I am sitting out there. In past seasons, I have found nests tucked inside ferns hung from my porch. I have had two people complain to me already this spring, about finding bird nests near their homes, and I have to remind them that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made it illegal to remove any active bird nests. This means that if there are eggs or hatchlings in the nest, the nest cannot be disturbed until after the birds have fledged.
I have worked in Master Gardener offices answering calls that came in and bird nests was a question that came up often. I recall a woman who complained that the birds were “dive bombing” her kids whenever they went in or out of their front door. She was afraid the birds would attack, but they were merely protecting their nest. I suggested she use a different door until the birds had left the nest.
Barn swallows, purple martins, house finches, and wrens will make use of human habitats to raise their own families. While a few people resent the inconvenience that nesting birds may cause them, I find great joy in their presence and it feels like a blessing on my home. I feed the birds, provide water for them, and care for their environment, so it feels like good karma returning to me. I provide bird houses for them as well. I once had a beautiful copper bird house when I was in Virginia, that was graced with a family of bluebirds; but I had to move, so I told the realtor he could have the house after the birds were finished with it.
There are people who do not appreciate birds and do not want them anywhere near their homes. They will stop at nothing to deter the birds – even putting spikes under the eaves that could potentially spear the birds to death. It is those people who do not appreciate Nature, who have contributed to causing the most harm to other species and to our planet. It is said that having birds nest by your home is a sign of good luck and prosperity. Perhaps the prosperity that is referred to is not the human idea of wealth, but of the beautiful abundance of life that is everywhere.
