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Identify nest

9 years ago

I've recently found a nest of 6 eggs in the wreath on my front door. Normally, I would just let nature do its thing and probably just make sure no snakes were sniffing around. However, I've recently sold my home and will be closing (and moving out) in 24 days. I'm trying to identify this nest so I have a better idea of how long they will take to hatch. (I plan to leave the wreath and ask the new homeowners to allow them to hatch. I'm hoping a time frame might encourage them to do so.)

Featured Answer

whwo

9 years ago

Looks like a House Finch nest based on the color and occasional spots on the eggs. It is also a common place for House Finches to nest.

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Comments (8)

User
9 years ago
Where is this nest? State and city.

How large are the eggs?
Konrad..just outside of Edmonton Alberta
9 years ago
Take a picture with the bird sitting on.
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Kelly Peterson
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
This is the best picture I could get of her. She is understandably cautious. she is on the top right of the wreath.
Kelly Peterson
Original Author
9 years ago
whwo
9 years ago
Google "House Finch nest on wreath", look at the images that come up, and you will confirm it is a House Finch nest. You'll see many pics very similar to yours of nests on wreaths with those very lightly spotted eggs.
Kelly Peterson thanked whwo
ZachS. z5 Platteville, Colorado
9 years ago
According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which, despite the name offers protections to non-migratory birds such as house finches) the nest is protected, regardless of whom you sell your home to.

Removal of the nest would require a depredation permit issued by the USFWS.

Of course, that is the "letter of the law" and chances are if the new homeowners do decide to destroy the nest, the actual chances of them getting caught and suffering any consequences are slim to none. However you could simply inform them that harassment of birds on an active nest or destruction of the nest itself is a crime and perhaps that bit of knowledge will be enough to sway their opinion, if they happen to be inclined towards a removing it.
User
9 years ago
(If it's a house finch ... Incubation is by female, about 13-14 days. Young: Both
parents feed nestlings. Young leave the nest about 12-15 days after
hatching.

So you will have about 30 days (or less if she's already sitting) of incubation and nestlings, then you can remove the nest.

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