We went on vacation for a week. When we returned, we discovered this in the bathroom. This is the first time in my life I’ve seen something like this, and honestly, I have absolutely no idea what it is. Does anyone know what it could be?
Best practices if you have bird nests in your garden
Protecting bird nests, even when they are located on buildings slated for demolition , is essential for preserving these species, particularly swallows, which return to their original nests each year after traveling long distances to winter in Africa. Even when the building is to be demolished, the nest remains protected by law . In cases of imminent danger or exceptional circumstances, such as unavoidable construction work, it is often recommended not to destroy the nest. In some cases, it is possible to protect it during the work or even relocate it instead of destroying it.
However, these measures must be taken in accordance with regulations , and a prior request for an exemption to the destruction or disturbance of protected species must be submitted to the prefectural authorities . This ensures that the actions undertaken respect nature protection laws while allowing the necessary work to be carried out. Local branches of the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) can also intervene to handle the relocation of nests or advise individuals facing complex situations.
Slideshows
1/12 Swallows are returning to our gardens
With the arrival of spring, swallows make their grand return, leaving the mild skies of Africa to nest in France. The first signs of their presence appear as early as mid-March, and their numbers increase considerably in April. However, over the years, the number of these migratory birds has declined alarmingly.
2/12 Two species of swallows in France
In France, two species of swallow predominate: the barn swallow and the house martin. Since 2001, the number of individuals of these two species has decreased significantly.
3/12 A swallow population in decline
According to the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme, the barn swallow population has fallen by 28%, while the house martin population has declined by 25%. This worrying trend is also reflected at the European level, where it is estimated that 40% of these birds have disappeared.
4/12 Many factors contributed to this decline
What are the causes behind this declining biodiversity? A lack of food for these birds, due to the decrease in flying insects in our landscapes. Indeed, the use of pesticides in conventional agriculture deprives insectivorous birds of their primary food source. While pesticide use is subject to strict regulations within the European Union, the measures are less stringent in Africa, where swallows migrate to spend the winter.
5/12 Bird nests in gardens are protected by law in France
Another major point: nest preservation poses a challenge for these migratory birds. Many nest destructions are associated with renovation, facade cleaning, or insulation work on houses in France. Swallows are thus displaced from their preferred nesting sites, such as the ceilings of old barns or roof overhangs on facades.
6/12 Some people dislodge birds’ nests
Some individuals, annoyed by the droppings that stain their facade, often take radical measures by using high-pressure cleaners to dislodge swallow nests.
7/12 Severe penalties for destroying bird nests in gardens
This practice is, however, prohibited under Article L411-1 of the French Environmental Code. The intentional destruction of nests of protected species, such as swallows, constitutes a crime. This offense is punishable by law and can result in severe penalties, including up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to €15,000.
8/12 The law protects bird breeding sites
In addition to the destruction of nests, the law also provides for penalties for altering or damaging bird breeding sites and resting areas. In accordance with Article 3-II of the Ministerial Decree of October 29, 2009, these offenses can again be punished by a fine of up to €15,000 and a prison sentence of one year.
9/12 Best practices if you have bird nests in your garden
Protecting bird nests, even when they are on buildings slated for demolition, is an essential measure to preserve these species, especially swallows, which return each year to their original nests after traveling long distances to overwinter in Africa.
10/12 The bird’s nest must be protected
Even in situations where the building must be demolished, the nest remains protected by law. In cases of imminent danger or exceptional circumstances, such as unavoidable construction work, it is often recommended not to destroy it. In some cases, it is possible to protect it during the work or even relocate it instead of destroying it.
11/12 Check with the local authorities
However, these measures must be taken in accordance with regulations, and a prior request for exemption from the destruction or disturbance of protected species must be submitted to the prefectural authorities.
12/12 Actions in favor of biodiversity
This ensures that the actions taken comply with nature protection laws while allowing the necessary work to be carried out. Local branches of the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) can also intervene to relocate nests or advise individuals facing complex situations.
