I have the same situation. I have a planter hanging from my porch. The nest is not in the open because when the plant died, I just left in there. I know some birds nests you can move, but what about a doves nest? It still has 2 babies in it and the mother is always close by or sitting in it. They have gotten so use to us that I can work in the flowerbeds, open and close the front door hundreds of times, my husband can cut the grass, and we can even stand on a chair and look at them and they won't budge. BUT, let one of my neighbors walk by walking their dog and she goes crazy. Oh yeah, she dosen't like it when my husband starts his harley... lol If I wait until the babies fly away, can I relocate the planter to another location on my porch for her to use the next time? I'd even leave the dead plant in it for protection.

If you think you can dig around the drip line of the 'Bird's Nest' (I imagine) Spruce, slide it onto a tarp and transport it into a prepared new resting place, then I think it could be done. Fall just before going into dormancy would be best. I think the bigger question is whether you can grow hosta in zone 1b. Most hosta list USDA zone 3 as the coldest recommended. Do you know of anyone doing this? I think it would be hard to do if a USDA zone 1....or is 1b that Canadian system? Pictures, a measured size and transferring the question to the conifers forum would get a more expert answer on the relocation. Jon

Do the birds not mind you "messing" with their homes? What a wonderful hobby you have and how grateful your birds must be to you!

Without it being in nearly the same spot, they may not associate it with their nest. A Great Horned owl's nest blew out of a tree in a park nearby and the parks folks put it back where it was and the parents returned. Although that nest had chicks not eggs. Depending on the weather wherever you are it may be too late already. tj