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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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Yes, it is all bark really. The only other bird I thought could be possible was a Carolina Wren but I don't think so. We moved the house today after much though. We were at a loss what to do. The house has broken wood on the bottom, don't know how this happened but it was leaning where it was attached to the pole. I'm afraid it would not have made it safely with the birds inside. So, we made the decision to move the house gently to an area where it will have support, about 10-12 feet directly behind the pole, and pray. We have not gone out there today hoping that with piece and quite momma will not mind the move and brave coming back. We had no clue what else to do and felt this was the safest thing to give them a chance. At first I thought it was kind of silly that this bird was bring mulch into the house until I checked again and noticed the 6 eggs. Hopefully I'll get some pictures.
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If these are bees now is the time contact a bee keeper to remove them. Since you have been working in the area with no problem I would suspect you do have bees and not the ornery Yellow Jackets. I think what you have seen about moving bees refers to bees in intact hives with a good food source. It would not be very likely that the bees food source would be moved with them and they would need time to make more and late winter/early spring is not a good time to do that. If they are Yellow Jackets, wasps, and they are not a problem you could wait until cold weather set in or take steps now to eliminate them. kimmq is kimmsr
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Scrape off, stomp on ground, then clean-off spot w warm water and sponge...spray and insecticide after it dries - note, mud-daubers will rarely bother or sting you, only be a nuisance and leave mud-stains. they do, however, kill a lot of other insects they use a food for larvae in nest, mainly spiders... and yes, most wasps make paper nests. Paper = sting, so be cautious.
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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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