Swallow Nest in Guttering - Help! (1 Viewer)

[TheKatMan]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and I hope that I have posted this in the correct place. My girlfriend and I recently purchased a new property. At the top of the guttering it appears as though a family of swallows have built a little home for themselves. My only concern is the amount of bird muck and mess currently on the wall and beneath the nest on the floor where our little boy may come in to contact with it. I don't want to harm the birds in any way but I was wondering if there was a safe way in which their nest could be removed (if legal), probably once they migrate over the winter. Do swallows migrate? I was lead to believe they do. Any help or assistance with this is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[Simon Wates]

The breeding season is coming to an end very soon and then they wll migrate - and yes, swallows nests are protected. They will be back next year as swallows tend to be faithful to their nest site. I wouldn't worry too much about the droppings, I can't think of any case in Europe where children have got ill through garden birds.

Oh - and a warm welcome to Birdforum!