Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/22/2008

Question
We found that birds had  nested and hatched in our soffit -under the gutter- they had pecked a hole in the wood and made quite a safe little nest! We did not realize this until they were hatched- The adult bird is feeding them and so far is not attacking us when we go out on our deck. Can you tell me how long before the birds should be out of the nest? We do not want to harm them, but as soon as feasable we want to plug up the hole so no other nesting can take place there. We heard them about two weeks ago and they are still chirping away inside the bird house. there is bird do everywere along the side of the house and on the deck. We are expecting many guests for Memorial day weekend. How will we know it is safe to clean out the nesting area so we don't harm the babies?
thanks for your help.
Sue Greeno

Answer
Since I don't know what kinds of birds these are, I'm guessing that it should be about 10-14 days before they leave the nest. If they have been chirping for two weeks, they should be leaving soon. It is safe to clean out the nesting area as soon as they all leave the nest.