monicaei

We have a VERY confused cardinal pair, who decided to nest in our bamboo AND the male has started dive bombing Leo. WTH? First, it's WINTER (well, its still in the 70s here but either way) and second since when do cardinals act like that? It's making Leo INSANE, and he has a "bird thing" anyway.

Anyone know how I can move them safely?

Darkevs

walk outside where they are and go........SHOO..SHOO



are they nesting or just setting up a place to roost till they figure out what their next move is?



was this helpfull?

if so.

you are welcome.

heehee

we need pictures. please.

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Thanks for making this signature for me Amelia!

dobermama

Check the nest to see if there are any eggs in it- if there are not, then simply destroy it. Continue to do so every day or so until they stop trying to rebuild in the bamboo and pick a better location.

If there are eggs, then you have 2 options;

1. keep dealing with the aggressive male until the babies fledge (or more likely if winter shows up as it should, they die). Most humane option, but can be a real PITA when the male bird is particularly defensive.

2. Destroy the nest and eggs. This will encourage the pair to immediately relocate to a different nest site.

Moving the nest is not a good option- the parents will not follow it, so you might as well destroy the eggs as they will no longer be viable if moved.

monicaei

There is a nest, but too high up to see if there are eggs (I could get a ladder but enh, I'm lazy today).

Shooing won't work, this male bird is crazy and ever-present. He's on a suicide mission. Kamikaze Cardinal. Leo has taken to leaping to try to get it. Of course the bird is actually attacking him, so my sympathy is somewhat limited. The problem may resolve itself . Dive bombing bird meets dober mouth.

Jazi

I was under the impression that killing native birds is illegal in the States. Might want to check your laws before you do this one, monicaei.

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dobermama

Correct, killing the birds is illegal. Nest destruction is a grey area. Particularly when dealing with nuisance behavior. It is highly unlikely that a successful hatch will occur this late in the season,so I am more willing to recommend it.

steph&leala

I would put an eviction notice on the nest... or charge them at least $500/mo for rent

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Steph and Leala.
Calgary, Alberta

monicaei

Lol. I think "nest removal" is pretty low on my states list of priority issues... I mean we are a red state and life begins at conception and all, but bird abortion doesn't seem like an issue they are likely to pursue.

My chickens picket every day in front of the coop, yet I still have the most delicious baked goods.

Darkevs

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Thanks for making this signature for me Amelia!

monicaei

I brought this scourge upon my family by feeding the darn things! So happy I am not alone in this struggle!