How Do I Visit A Nest?

There are several guidelines that should be followed in order to minimize disturbance of nests while still providing comprehensive information about a nest and its fate:

1. Check nests form a distance whenever possible. Observing from a few feet away is better than going right to the nest, if you can see the contents. Try using a long pole with a small bicycle mirror taped to the end of it. One person holds the mirror over the nest while another uses binoculars to look at the nest contents reflected into the mirror. This method allows you to remain away from the nest.

2. Don't disturb incubating or brooding birds. Return later when they may be away feeding.

3. Check nests more frequently (every 2 days) when transitions between different nesting periods (incubation, hatching, fledging) are expected to occur. The tighter your visits bracket these events, the better the data.

4. Avoid creating dead end paths when checking nests. Approach the nest along one route and leave by another. This makes it more difficult for predators to determine exact nest locations from watching you or following scent trails. Use different approaches and exits each time you visit the nest if possible.

5. Never go near an active nest if you observe possible predators nearby. These include: crows, jays, ravens, squirrels, chipmunks, cats, dogs and many more.

6. Check near mid-day if possible. Research has shown that most nest predation occurs during early morning and evening hours.

7. Never check nests with a dog along for the walk.

8. If a nest is high try using the mirror and pole technique described above. If they are still too high or in a cavity use parent behavior clues (food delivery, incubation...) and nestling begging noises to determine the stage of nesting on each visit. Climbing trees is usually disruptive and dangerous; avoid it if possible.

How to Nest Find: A Guide

When should I fill out a card?

What should I do if I find a rare or endangered bird?

How many visits to a nest should I make?

Resources/Bibliography

Nest-record card instructions

Nest-record Card (online form)

2001 Nest-record Program Report

Download a nestcard (Microsoft Word document)

Vermont Nest Records Home