Bird nests are intricate structures that birds build as shelters for eggs and raising young. Many birds build nests each breeding season, while others may reuse and repair the same nest over consecutive years. Once abandoned, old bird nests gradually weather and degrade over time. However, some people enjoy collecting bird nests to display as decorative objects or to study their architecture more closely. Dried and properly stored bird nests can last indefinitely as part of a nature collection or ornamental display.
Can you collect bird nests legally?
In the United States, possession of most native bird nests, eggs, and parts is illegal without proper permits. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects native bird species from disturbance, nest destruction, and collecting. However, there are some exceptions. Nests of invasive species like European starlings, house sparrows, and rock pigeons are not protected. Additionally, finding feathers, abandoned nests, or broken egg shells on the ground does not violate regulations. Transporting active nests or eggs across state lines requires additional permitting.
Outside of the US, laws vary greatly regarding collection of bird nests. Some countries ban all bird nest collecting to protect declining species. Others simply require permits or restrict gathering of active nests. Be sure to check all national and local regulations before removing old nests from the wild.
When can you collect bird nests?
The best time to collect bird nests is after the breeding season ends. Active nests with eggs or young chicks should never be disturbed except by permitted researchers and rehabilitators. Empty nests can be collected any time of year, but the highest abundance of vacated nests occurs in late summer and fall after young fledge. Search for old nests in trees, shrubs, ledges, or other sites after nesting activity finishes in your area.
Where can you find bird nests to collect?
Vacated bird nests can be found virtually anywhere birds roost, including:
- Trees and shrubs
- Forest floors
- Cavities in trees, rocks, or walls
- Building eaves, signs, and lights
- Agricultural structures like barns and sheds
- Nests dislodged by storms
Search systematically around preferred nesting areas for the species you want. Using binoculars helps spot old nests high up in dense vegetation. Take care not to damage property or active nests still in use when collecting.
How do you collect and transport bird nests?
Methods for collecting and transporting bird nests include:
- Using an extendable pole or pruner to remove nests from high branches
- Carrying a stepladder to access nests up to 10 feet above ground
- Wearing thick gloves to prevent scratches from thorns
- Placing each nest in its own marked zip-top bag
- Padding nests with tissue paper to prevent jostling damage
- Transporting nest collections in a rigid box or crate
Take care when collecting fragile nests made of intricately woven grasses or brittle twigs. Handle old nests gently to prevent them breaking apart before you can preserve them.
What supplies are needed to store bird nests?
To properly store collected bird nests long-term, you need:
- Insect proof boxes or display cases
- Cotton, tissue, or foam to pad and support nests
- Acid-free paper
- Museum paste adhesive
- Freezer or desiccant packs
- Labels and pens
High quality archival supplies prevent degradation and allow nests to be displayed while protected. Proper storage methods also restrict access by insects that can damage dried plant materials.
How do you prepare bird nests for storage?
To prepare collected bird nests for long-term storage or display:
- Carefully examine nests and discard any with insects, mold, or lined with feathers
- Freeze nests for 48-72 hours to kill any eggs, larvae, or insects
- Allow nests to air dry fully before sealing in containers
- Line boxes with acid-free tissue and follow with a layer of cotton or foam
- Place each nest in a loose bag or wrapped in tissue paper
- Position nests so fragile structures are supported
- Cushion gaps between nests with extra padding
- Seal boxes tightly to make insect proof
- Label each nest with species, location, and date collected
Proper drying, padding, and boxing prevents damage so nest architecture can be studied and appreciated.
What are good ways to display dried bird nests?
Attractive options for displaying bird nest collections include:
- Glass top museum display cases
- Wall mount shadow boxes
- Clear acrylic boxes on pedestals
- Nests anchored to foam board or mat board
- Frame nests behind UV filtered glass
- Built-in display cabinet with lighting
Visually highlight intricate nest details without direct handling by choosing sturdy transparent containers. Display cases also protect nests from dust, light damage, and curious fingers.
Where should you store bird nest collections long-term?
For best preservation, dried bird nests should be stored:
- In a climate controlled, dehumidified interior space
- Away from exterior walls or windows
- Off the floor on sturdy shelving units
- In darkness when not being viewed
- In tightly sealed display cases or archive boxes
- With desiccant packs replaced every 1-2 years
Archival storage conditions prevent moisture damage, extremes of temperature and humidity, and fading due to light exposure over decades.
How do you clean and repair bird nests?
Cleaning and repairing delicate bird nests takes finesse:
- Use a soft brush to gently remove loose dirt and debris
- Swab visible mold with a cotton swab dipped in diluted alcohol
- Stitch ripped seams together with thin unwaxed dental floss
- Adhere broken pieces in place using minute amounts of museum paste
- Support cracked areas underneath with acid-free paper
- Handle nests over a sheet to catch any dislodged materials
Conservators recommend doing the absolute minimum when cleaning to avoid compromising the nest’s integrity. Minor imperfections also attest to a nest’s authenticity.
Conclusion
Collecting and preserving abandoned bird nests allows you to study and appreciate the astounding diversity of nest architectures different species construct. Proper legal collecting, careful transport, archival storage methods, and display in protective cases allows bird nests to be preserved for generations. Handled with care and respect, bird nest collections can provide a lifetime of wonder and discovery.
