I'm not sure what to do about this. Mrs reported a series of "scratching noises" outside an upstairs window yesterday. I opened the blinds and saw a stick lying on top of the window unit a/c. And then a bird showed up.

Looked like this:


Today there's a "ring" of sticks and twigs, bits and pieces, and so on. Clearly, the birds are starting a nest.

Naturally, Mrs says "don't disturb it! You can't do that!" And the engineer in me says, "I don't want to see a failure in that a/c unit by way of sticks and twigs falling into that vent."

I've relented a bit, giving in to my own curiosity. I'm wanting to watch this nest form. (Side topic: I'm curious now about a camera that can take pictures automatically to get a series of time-lapse pictures of the construction.)

What's proper to do, SF gurus? Let it be, or do a "premature eviction?"

I would turn the AC unit on and let the vibration and noise drive the birds to find a more suitable location.

Never mind the health of the unit itself, the scratching and nuisance of having them right outside the bedroom window would be enough for me to make them move on.

I understand the fascination, but, unless you don't plan to use that AC unit, I'd suggest it'd be wise to gently persuade them to move on.

Sooner, rather than later.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I understand the fascination, but, unless you don't plan to use that AC unit, I'd suggest it'd be wise to gently persuade them to move on.

Sooner, rather than later.

Bird droppings can carry exotic diseases, possible damage to the A/C unit, stains difficult to remove.

Hope this satisfies the curiosity, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h37EwMc7M5A

Yeah, it's too late for me. I've got an overhang over patio by the back deck where I keep my BGE.
I left a 6' step ladder under there this spring and it sprouted a Robin before I knew it. The indentation on the top step, I thought it was for a paint can.

She's watching me smoke beef tenderloin right now.

Had doves nesting on my window ledges & roosting in the fir tree next to my townhome. Bird shit all over the place. These do work:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bird-...ols-_-3774089:Bird-X

&

http://www.bird-x.com/stainles...rqJsAnZ46hoC-3Hw_wcB

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

Naturally, Mrs says "don't disturb it! You can't do that!"

Well, you sure as heck can...And should.

I put up suitable nesting platforms around my house.

All are occupied and no problems with nests where I don't want them.

In my case, it was the dryer vent, which apparently wasn't closing completely.
They got evicted every time I did laundry, but kept coming back.
Eventually, I had to replace the flap style vent cover with a flush mount louvered design.

If there is any bird species that builds a more poorly engineered and located nest than a dove, I'm not aware of it.

The mating pair will return each spring and nest in the same spot. Get rid of them before they get established. I had a pair on my patio for 3 years till a hawk got one of them.

-TVz

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
If there is any bird species that builds a more poorly engineered and located nest than a dove, I'm not aware of it.

My Mama says doves cry because they cannot build for themselves, such a suitable habitat, and the other birds laugh at them.

/Bobby Boucher

They have built nests on the GF's patio behind a mirror attached to her house for several years now. They raise several families every year. You can see the little ones peeking out if you look carefully. They don't worry about humans in the area and we get a lot of pleasure from watching them.

 
Get some Irritape. Tie streamers around and the doves will avoid it. Not all birds will, but the doves seem to see it as a threat and won't go near it.
 

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
I put up suitable nesting platforms around my house.

All are occupied and no problems with nests where I don't want them.

Marzy, did you make baskets like the one on pg 19, or did you put up something like this?

We have birds all over, have various houses up too. If they get to close though, I take the nest down.

I've had mice wreck a conditioning unit years ago, disabled the cooling fan. If the Mrs has a problem with it, just do it when she's out & say 'oh well'.

In most areas doves are abundant, plenty to go around.

To me doves are a nuisance bird - I chase them away, they shit all over everything. They don't care about the eventual cost to repair your AC.

Mousetraps under a piece of cardboard or posterboard will dissuade them without injury.

A little Olive Oil, Butter and minced garlic.