Birds Nest & Pruning

[AngeB]

I was wondering if anyone might know how you can tell if a birds nest is being used? I wanted to cut back a bush that grows over a wall but there's a birds nest resting on the wall. I haven't seen any birds in it and have also seen a cat eyeing it up but I don't want to render the birds homeless if they are using the nest - don't think I could cope with the guilt lol

[MKG]

I know this feeling - and that's precisely why I ended up with rampant ivy all over my fence

If there's nothing in the nest, now is actually the right time to do what you need to do - the birdies will simply build another nest somewhere else. I know the birds own the place, but sometimes you have to assert your squatters' rights.

Mike

EDIT: Actually, a lot of birds build several nests and then choose the best one to lay their eggs in - leaving you as a nervous wreck with an empty nest you desperately try not to disturb.

[AngeB]

Thanks Mike, I had no idea birds did that - I shall be getting my shears out today safe in the knowledge that I'm probably saving the birds from the cat anyway