Protecting baby birds from tree trimming
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Every year, Yuma sees an increase in cases involving destroyed bird nests caused by tree trimming during nesting season. Wildlife officials and rehabilitation experts say many of these incidents can be prevented if residents and tree trimming companies avoid cutting trees during the months when birds are actively nesting.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department says there are several ways people can identify whether a nest is active before trimming trees.
“A way to identify if a nest is active is if you see adults actively going back and forth, usually caring for little birds that don’t have feathers yet,” said Yosie Hyink, regional investigator with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “An active nest could also just be a nest that has eggs in it with birds that haven’t hatched yet.”
Officials say disturbing an active nest can lead to serious legal consequences. Most bird species in Yuma County are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to destroy or disturb active nests.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers in the area say they receive large numbers of displaced baby birds every year because nests are cut down during trimming projects.
“Try to have the tree trimming that you need done for your house in the winter,” said Linda Winchell, executive director of Vita Wildlife Rehabilitation Education Center. “Homeowners are the first line of defense because we have to count on them to make the right decisions.”
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the number of baby birds brought into rehabilitation centers has increased between last year and this year due to nests being destroyed.
“We’re trying to educate the public as well as these larger tree trimming companies that they should avoid cutting during these busy nesting times of the year,” Hyink said.
Officials say this year’s early heat caused nesting season to begin as early as February, and it can continue through August. Because of that, the department is asking residents to avoid trimming trees during those months whenever possible.
“The birds really start to get active in laying eggs and building nests from February and March as late as August,” Winchell said. “If you can, do not trim trees during that time. Honestly, who wants to be out trimming trees when it’s 110 degrees outside? It’s better for the birds, but it’s better for the workers too.”
The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages anyone who witnesses the destruction of active nests to report it through the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1+(800) 352-0700.
