AboutRoger Lederer Expertise Any and all about wild birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience Have a PhD and thirty five years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, two bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 80 countries watching birds.
Expert: Roger Lederer Date: 6/24/2008 Subject: Nuthatch nest in a soccer backpack!
Question Roger,
I just found what appears to be a White Breasted Nuthatch nesting in my daughter's soccer backpack that hangs in our garage! The bag was unzipped and she has built her nest right in between a pair of soccer cleats! As of the morning she has 4 eggs. Any other time of year this wouldn't be a problem for us, but I am going on vacation at the end of the week and I have 3 dogs that stay in the garage in between pet sitter visits! Is it possible for me to relocate the bag to a tree or on a plant hook on my front porch? If so, should I cover it with a towel and move it while mama is in there, or will she find it on her own? Thanks so much for your help!
Carrie
Answer I find it hard to believe that a White Breasted Nuthatch nested in your garage. They just don't do that. But I guess it could be. In any case, you can try relocating the nest a few feet a day until you leave and see what happens. If you move it too far too fast the birds might abandon it.
