Totally illegal per The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is responsible for administering this Act. Penalties are up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $15,000.
Print the information out for her from Bet's web page. Maybe it will prevent a reoccurrence in the future. You can actually report her, although it is too late: http://www.fws.gov/le/
Tell her that the tree swallows will not be able to breed again until NEXT YEAR! They only nest once a year.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/mbta.htm

I'm sorry that happened. People never cease to amaze me with their stupidity. I'd love to have a pair of tres nest in my yard. Stick up a box and maybe that pair will nest in your yard since the dumb butt nextdoor destroyed their nest.

I would come unhinged, too. That is just plain STUPID and SICK and UNCARING, not to mention illegal. I am so sorry.

My mail carrier, a very nice woman, did bring our mail to our door while the mockingbirds were nesting in the juniper shrub behind our mailbox.

Oh, I too am so sorry. I don't know why they waited so long either. Had it been me, I would have stopped the newspaper and the mail until the babies fledged. But I am known as the bird lady so nothing would surprise anyone. I don't think there is anything anyone can say to make you feel better, except we all know how you feel and you're not alone. Sorry :(

Karen

As an afterthought - my apologies to the mail carriers of the world - I was completely overwrought when I wrote the first post. Our mail carrier has always been decent about bringing things right to my door, so I'm guessing my neighbor never even asked the carrier if it would be a problem to block off the box until the babies fledged. These neighbors are, as I mentioned, quite elderly and very meticulous about every grass blade in their yard. I'm sure it was much more about the MESS than the mail. Thanks everyone for your kind words - although they did make me cry all over again. You all are the best!

So sorry that happened, I would be furious too! Do you have an empty box that maybe the TRES could use. I know they only nest once per year but if they have a failed nesting I would think they would try again, not sure on that though.

Not to make you feel worse or anything for what might have been but I was just going to post a pic of some newly hatched TRES from our box, they hatched yesterday. I will put it in a new thread. Maybe it can bring a smile to your face anyway.

Again, so sorry.

Donna

I just wrote an article about this type of thing for my weekly column - and used the newspaper tube example!

Actually the swallows might try elsewhere... but since they nest synchronously with their neighbors (usually laying within 7-10 days of each other) they will be behind and could miss migration (or end up leaving chicks behind.)

Sad...

Here is a link that might be useful: Bald Eagle Eggs for 10 bucks

I'm so sorry. I think you're right about the neighbors not having a clue as to what they've done. I think about how bad I feel when a predator gets a nest of eggs, so I know this is even worse. It's hard to think that someone doesn't care when you yourself gets so excited about a nesting, but that's the sad truth. I get so happy when I see a nest somewhere on my property, even if it's inconvenient for a little while, it's worth it. That's sad that your neighbors can't see the beauty in something so special. I hope next time they'll nest on your property! Best wishes.

Cabin Gal

I am so sorry as well...my heart just broke reading your post....so stupid and senseless..

We bird lovers have a difficult time understanding why everyone is not like us..LOL! When my first bb babies hatched, I wouldn't allow my yard man to mow the grass anywhere NEAR the box...it was a strange looking backyard for awhile! Hope your neighbors will exercise more care and concern in the future! Good Luck...

Donna