Bay Area Animal Shelter Offers Tips During Bird Nesting Season

BURLINGAME, CA — As baby birds and other wildlife settle into the Bay Area this spring for nesting season, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is warning the public to refrain from unintentionally harming the little birdies.

In a news release, Buffy Tarbox, the communications manager for PHS/SPCA, said the Burlingame-based animal welfare organization’s wildlife care center is usually “inundated with injured and orphaned baby wildlife” during baby season.

“It’s actually quite easy for people to avoid accidentally disturbing nesting wildlife,” Tarbox said.

The organization offered several tips, which include:

• Waiting until fall or winter to trim or remove trees and bushes.
• Checking for rabbit holes and bird nests before mowing the lawn.
• Not leaving pet food outside and securing trash cans.
• Making sure crawl spaces and air vents are closed.
• Capping chimneys.
• Keeping dogs on a leash.

If people come across a baby bird on the ground struggling to fly, they should try placing it back in the nest or just leaving it alone, PHS/SPCA advised. If the baby seems to be in danger, it should be brought into a care center.

Additionally, if a mother chooses to nest in an area that is not ideal, people are advised to leave the animals alone because the mother will likely relocate in a few weeks, according to PHS/SPCA.