Depending on who you are, birds can be either a wonder to see or a nuisance to behold.  In addition, when it comes to owning a home, sometimes they can be both.  From nesting on your house to getting in your vents, birds have a tendency to get in the way and sometimes cause damage.  The best way to minimize the potential damage is to know more about birds and nesting behaviors.  Below are 5 facts regarding birds and nesting that you may not have known, and how these things will affect you, the homeowner, when determining the necessity of contacting a wildlife control expert.

1.  Who builds the Bird Nest

Depending on the species, birds will pair up to mate and rear their young until they are able to leave the nest.  For some species of birds in Northern Virginia, the male bird is the one responsible for building the nest, while the female bird is responsible for sitting on the eggs.  These males may also build several imitation nests around their actual nest.  This is done to fool potential threats.  As a result, you may find the exterior of your house surrounded by empty nests.

2.  Where did my keys go?!?

Have you ever lost something small and light?  Well, an unattractive prospect is that a bird took it.  If left outside, some species of birds have been known to construct their nests out of man made objects.  From a key to plastic straws and possibly even junk, these birds are making the most out of their surroundings.  Remember this the next time you can’t find your keys.

3.  A Nest Is Not A Home

Contrary to popular belief, a nest is not in fact a bird’s home.  Rather, the nest acts as a temporary place to raise baby birds and keep the eggs safe.  As a result, do not expect birds to be nesting around your house all year long.  Rather, think of them as seasonal guests.  This may make removing their nests easier as they will be gone for a good part of the year.

4.  Nests May Have Multiple Layers

Birds do not just create a nest, but rather a multi-layered and carefully crafted support for their eggs.  These nests will often have large sticks on the bottom, and carefully woven sticks where the eggs are.

5.  Many Creatures Build Nests

As a final fact about birds and nesting, not only birds create nests.  Wasps, alligators, and mice have all been known to create nests.  Thankfully there aren’t any alligators in Virginia.