Expert: Julia Booth - 4/21/2009

Question
Birds have nested in a hole in the eaves.  There are several of these holes that are protected by small screens, but the screen on this one is gone. It sounds like they are inside of a wall, but doesn't appear that the hole is of any distance and the noise is superficial.  My husband says to wait until the noises cease to plug the hole - is there any need for concern?

Answer
It depends on what you mean by concern. If you plug the hole and the birds are still in there and can't get out, then they'll probably die. So if that concerns you, then yes.

They are only nesting. If they are swallows or swifts, which is most likely, that means about 2 weeks of sitting on eggs and 2 weeks for the babies to fledge. They won't stay there permanently. They'll leave when the babies are ready, and return to their colony. Then you can patch the hole.

If the noise is constant, regular (as in every 45-90 minutes) and loud, chances are the babies have already hatched, which means even less time before they leave.

Hope this helps you,

Julia