Building work near a birds nest

[Nosha123]

OK.. I have a problem.. we are building a new house and have just discovered a birds nest right near where we need to build... what do I do.. not sure what type of bird it is - but what if it is endangered or protected.... can I get the rspb to come and relocate them? or will they just close the site down and stop us from building?
Worried and though not an avid bird lover I do not want to cause any harm to them or their nest!

[LoftyLottie]

It is against the law to disturb the nests of all wild birds whilst they are being built and in use, unless they are an environmental hazzard. You can contact the rspb if you disturb a nest by accident whilst you are building and they will give you advice.

The nesting season will be over by the late summer and then you can remove the nest legally.

[Nosha123]

I'm a bit worried we have already disturbed them as the building work started 3 months ago but we need to carry on as the stage we are at at the moment is quite dangerous and cannot be left while we wait for birds to move on.... the holes have to be filled in as they are a hazard! We have fenced off as much as possible so no stupid people fall doen them.. but the fencing does not go all the way around as it isn't possible.
We had some big heavy machines on site just a few weeks ago! and more arriving tomorrow. Not sure what to do!

[LoftyLottie]

I would ring the RSPB for their advice under the circumstances. I don't think building work around the nest counts as disturbing them. Birds are very stoic and will stay put in their nests in all sorts of situations. I think disturbing them means moving or destroying the nest. If you can work round the nest then it should be OK.

[Kleiber]

Nosha, if you started 3 months ago and they're still there, you haven't disturbed them. If you can work round them for a little while longer (maybe just another week or two), the babies will have fledged and left the nest. Do you have any idea what type of birds they are? Is the nest on the ground or in a tree or hedge or in a building? Do as Lottie says & give the RSPB a buzz and keep us posted as to how you get on, won't you? Good luck, K.

[Nosha123]

no idea what birds they are..... but the nest or what I am assuming is the nest is a hole in the mud.. in the wall of a large hole we have dug for a basement... so you can see why I am anxious to get it built out of the ground ASAP as having an open hole isn't very safe.. least of all for my cats!!!! and the neighbours dogs!!! There is fencing almost all the way around the deep hole.. but not on one side (the bird side!) as it wasn't possible... perhaps they will have left the nest by the time we get to the really disruptive bit in a few weeks time.. do you think the parents would leave the nest too.. or are they only there because there are babies there! I'm no bird expert I'm afraid! I will try the rspb too!

[LoftyLottie]

Sounds like a swallows or martins nest, but can't be sure. Once the babies are flying they will return and roost in the area of the nest for a week or so and the parents will continue to help feed them. They then will not need the nest. The parents will have no use for the nest once the fledgelings have safely gone and you can then go ahead and remove it.

[LoftyLottie]

Have you seen birds going in and out of the nest at all?

[LoftyLottie]

If it's just a hole in the mud are you sure it's not a rat run?!!!!

[Nosha123]

i have seen one maybe two birds go in and out (not sure if it was one coming and going or two different ones!!!) and yes they had wings with feathers so guessing they are not rats!!! Urgh!!!! ha ha
Thanks for your advice all.. I feel much better now!

[LoftyLottie]

Good luck with your building!