Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/9/2008

Question
Hello

I have a nest in my honeysuckle of blackbirds, the baby has
not flown yet, though not in the nest. just waiting for him to fly as have two cats and having to keep vigil 24/7 and keeping them in is a major task, though have to let them out. just so worried they will attack the baby when starts to fly. Am told they will nest again is there anything I can do to deter them from nesting again, only because I have cats and so hard stopping them going out, cat knows they are in there and keeps watching. Cannot spend my time keeping them in month after month. I love birds and dont want them harmed.
Wondered about removing the nest so they nested elsewhere

HELP

Thanks

Answer
Well, there is nothing legal you can do to keep them from nesting again and it is also illegal to move the nest. The baby bird in the nest now will leave the nest before it can fly and will spend a week or so on the ground; that's where cats get them. The best thing to do is control your cats or at least provide them with bells or put cat repellent in parts of the yard.