In Canada, birds mostly breed during the warmer months of the
year. For many species, if an individual loses a clutch, due to
predation or natural causes such as flooding, it will have to wait
to the following season to nest again. The privilege of observing a
nest and its occupants is a wonderful feeling and it is essential
that our intrusion into the birds' life does not jeopardize its
nesting success. For this reason, we encourage everyone searching
for bird nests to follow this code of conduct; both birds and bird
watchers will benefit from your good behaviour. Thank you!
Be careful while searching for nests
Some birds like the Killdeer and the Song Sparrow build their nests
directly on or near the ground. Be careful while looking for nests
to make sure you do not step on one of them. Many more species like
the American Robin build their nests in shrubs: take good care not
to dislodge any nests when moving around dense foliage. When you are
looking for nests in urban areas, also make sure no cat, American
Crow or Jays are following you as they are very good predators of
eggs and young birds.
Approach nests with care
When you know where a nest is located (you have marked it previously
with a piece of material a few metres away), it is good practice to
approach it casually, as if by chance, rather than directly and
deliberately. Birds are then likely to regard you as harmless and
not as a predator intent on robbing the nest contents. When
possible, a sitting bird should not be given a sudden fright as it
may accidentally knock some of the eggs or young out of the nest if
it flies off or, worse, choose to desert its nest.
Choose an appropriate time to visit the nest
In general, it is best not to flush birds in failing evening light.
Likewise, birds should not be disturbed in adverse weather such as
cold, heavy rain, or extreme heat.
Minimize disturbance at the nest
It is essential to minimize disturbance at nests for both ethical
and scientific reasons. The first principle is that observations
should not jeopardize the safety of the nest. Keep each visit brief.
Any equipment likely to be wanted at the nest (e.g., notebook, field
sheet, camera) should be ready before you approach. Cameras can be
used but please restrain photo sessions to a reasonable time. A few
minutes should allow you to gather all of the information you need.
If you wish to describe the nest site and the habitat surrounding
the nest, please do so from a reasonable distance or wait until the
nesting attempt is completed.
Minimize disturbance around the nest
Damaged or trampled vegetation can expose a well-sheltered nest to
rain, wind or predators. If possible, avoid making tracks through
dew-soaked grass. On approaching a known nest, pick a route that
disturbs as little vegetation as possible, stepping over or gently
parting clumps of undergrowth. Avoid breaking branches or removing
vegetation.
Do not handle the young or eggs
Do not handle the young or eggs. Small eggs and young are very
delicate, and can be easily cracked, chilled or injured. Small
nestlings are remarkably helpless and may not be able to crawl back
into the nest cup if displaced, even in a nest box. Your touch will
leave a scent. If you are unable to see all of the nest (to count
eggs) because some chicks obscure the view, then indicate it is a
minimum number in the visit comment box rather than handle the nest
contents. This is not just a question of ethics. It is illegal to
disturb the nests of migratory birds or be in possession of birds or
eggs. If you wish to band birds or handle the nest contents you will
need the appropriate federal, and in some cases, provincial permits.
Respect private land
If you wish to search private land as part of your nest recording,
gain permission first from the landowner. Remember that you are
asking a favour, and explain your purpose. Many landowners will
probably be interested and keen to know about what you are doing. It
is very important to treat the owners and their property with the
utmost respect and to follow any special requests they make.
