UNL Landscape Services to Implement Policy to Avoid Disturbing Bird Nests

By James Ed. Ducey

Landscape Services at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be adding a new section to their policy to avoid impacts to nests of breeding birds.

"We are adding to our pruning policy a section stating that active nests will not be removed or disturbed when working on tree and shrubs," said Jeff Culbertson, East Campus landscape manager. "I brought this issue to the attention of our management staff and Director Eileen Bergt, and we agreed to add the new section."

The topic was discussed after concern for possible bird nests in tree branches being removed on East Campus was brought to their attention by a local birder.

"The section will state that active nests will not be removed or disturbed when working on tree and shrubs," Culbertson said. He was to discuss the issue with East Campus staff, and the City Campus manager is also going to discuss the policy with staff on that campus.

Landscape services expects to take a reasonable approach upon finding a nest in a tree, said Culbertson. "Since much of our pruning can be delayed, the approach we will take is to wait until the nest is no longer active. There are however, the rare occasions that a tree must be pruned or removed due to it becoming a hazardous tree. If a tree may fail unpredictably and can cause harm to students, visitors or staff, we would have to do our work to make the situation safe again.”

Landscape staff may also consider relocating the nest to a neighboring tree if that would be a sensible solution, he added.

After discussing the July 15 end date for protection of bird nests and eggs as designated in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with Ron Johnson, extension wildlife biologist, they determined that local birds may still be nesting after that date, so the new policy will not include an "all clear date."

Landscape services had previously scanned trees and shrubs before doing pruning work, but the new policy will help ensure that bird's nests will not be inadvertently destroyed.

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Lincoln Forestry Efforts Protects Nesting Birds

The forestry department for the city of Lincoln also has a policy regarding bird nests in trees, according to information received from Terry Genrich, natural resources manager with Lincoln Parks and Recreation.

“All trees are inspected for bird nests prior to being trimmed or removed. If it is found that there is a nest in the tree and it is being used, then the tree is not trimmed until a later date after all of the young have left. If the tree involves a removal, a decision is made as to whether the tree can remain until after the young leave the nest or if there is a hazard to the public which creates a liability. In that case, the department makes a decision as to what is required to reduce or eliminate the hazard.” July 19, 2007.