Love is in the air

… and so are our birds!

American Robin in a Live Oak *Photo courtesy of Native Songbird Care and Conservation in Sebastopol, CA.*

As spring approaches, birds across our region begin their crucial nesting season. With increased vegetation management during this time, it's essential to be mindful of nesting birds to protect their habitats and comply with wildlife laws. This blog highlights why nest surveys are important and how we can take simple steps to safeguard our local bird populations while planning vegetation work.

What is Nesting Season?

As temperatures rise and we transition into spring, our local birds begin building nests and laying eggs. This period, known as nesting season, lasts well into summer for our local birds and is marked by increased vocalizations, mating behaviors, and nest-building activities.

During this time, birds are especially vulnerable, as they must care for their young and cannot relocate if their nesting site is disturbed—such as by vegetation removal. Young chicks are particularly at risk, as they rely on their parents until they fledge and leave the nest.

What We Can Do?

The coming months are critical for protecting our local bird populations, and we can take several steps to minimize disturbances:

Survey for nests before pruning or removing vegetation.
Conduct surveys close to the work date—ideally a few days before—to ensure nests are not newly established.
If a nest is found, delay work for 2-3 months if you find eggs or 1-2 months if you find chicks to allow chicks time to fledge. Feel free to call our biologist @ 707-261-0008 ext 4, if you have any questions about how much time you need to wait for birds to leave the nest.

How to Conduct a Nesting Bird Survey

Morning surveys should begin at sunrise during the morning chorus and continue for up to three hours while birds are most active. Use both sight and sound to detect nesting behavior.

Direct Signs of Nests

✅ Visual confirmation of a nest or young chicks. Keep in mind parents spend most of their time foraging for food and making quick food drop offs once chicks hatch, so just because there are no parents visible that doesn’t mean it is not an active nest.

Chestnut backed Chickadee in Nesting Cavity. Photo courtesy of Ingrid Taylar Foto

Indirect Signs of Nesting

🔎 Mating behavior (copulation).
🔎 Carrying food or nesting materials.
🔎 Nest building.
🔎 Distraction displays (adult agitation or feigning injury).
🔎 Parents feeding chicks.
🔎 Removal of fecal sacs.
🔎 Auditory evidence of chicks.

Legal Protections for Nesting Birds

Most native bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which makes it illegal to destroy active nests, eggs, or harm migratory birds.

If You Find an Injured or Grounded Bird

If you come across a bird that appears injured or a young bird on the ground, do not intervene immediately. Some fledglings naturally leave the nest before they can fly well and are still being cared for by their parents. However, if a bird appears truly abandoned, injured, or in distress, call 707-245-9991 to talk to one of our specialists or reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before taking any action.

What to Look Out For

Lake County is home to a diverse range of habitats and bird species. As you explore, keep an eye out for the different types of nests and birds you might encounter!

Cliff Swallow Colony. Photo Courtesy of Native Songbird Care and Conservation in Sebastopol, CA.

Around Structures

Many of our birds will use our convenient man-made structures to build nests. These are usually mud or a cup type nest made out of twigs. House finches, swallows, pheobe’s, Stellar jays, mourning doves, and English house sparrows will often do this.

Lower Foliage and Forest Floor

Our state bird, the California quail, as well as dark-eyed juncos, spotted towhees meadow larks, lark sparrows, and killdeer will nest on the ground under bushes and in tall grass. Other birds, such as California towhees, will nest in low bushes and piles of debris, so check your debris piles and thick bushes for nests as well.

Cavities

Acorn Woodpecker. *Photo by Paul Hurtado*

Most of our songbirds that eat insects are cavity nesters and will nest in dead, dying, or alive branches and trees. These are important to identify if removing trees or limbs. All of our woodpeckers, chickadees, bluebirds, nuthatches, and so many more need these cavities to protect their young.

Upper Canopy Forest

Many birds, from tiny hummingbirds and bushtits to hawks and owls, build their nests high in the forest canopy. These nests are often well hidden, making them easy to overlook. Before removing a tree or working in the area, it's crucial to check for nests, as these birds can be easily disturbed.

Around Water

Some of our raptors, such as ospreys and bald eagles, often nest near water. Many of our herons and egrets will nest near water in colonies of dozens of nesting birds known as rookeries. These are easy to spot due to the number of large, vocal birds with nests near the tops of trees.

Protecting Love in the Air

As spring unfolds in Lake County, love truly is in the air—and so are our birds! Nesting season is a magical time when our avian neighbors transform our wetlands and treetops into bustling hubs of activity. It’s a season of renewal and growth, as our feathered friends build their homes, nurture their young, and remind us of the incredible beauty and biodiversity that surrounds us.

Whether you’re marveling at a rookery or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, remember to admire these moments from a respectful distance to ensure the birds can thrive undisturbed. If you’re conducting vegetation management activities during this season, take extra care to identify and avoid nesting areas to protect these vulnerable birds and their habitats.

Together, we can celebrate and safeguard the vibrant wildlife that makes Lake County so special. Let’s cherish this season of love in the air—and in our skies!