Q: Is it okay to remove barn swallow’s nests?

Again, thank you for the diversity of questions submitted. I learn from each one. 

Although the barn swallow can create quite a mess, it is actually illegal to remove their nests. The following is what I have learned about these creatures and their nests:  

Barn swallows are migratory, insectivorous birds and are therefore a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act states that it is illegal to take, possess, transport, destroy, sell or purchase barn swallows and/or their nests during their nesting period without a permit. Barn swallows begin their nesting season in the late spring and this continues through the summer months. The incubation period for barn swallow eggs typically last close to a month. Once the eggs have hatched, it will typically take no more than a month for the mothers to raise their babies.

People often destroy barn swallows’ nests because once the eggs have hatched they create a mess, however, there are many benefits to barn swallows. Barn swallows are insectivorous birds meaning they eat bugs. This can be great to keep the bug population at bay during the summer months. They are also very neat to watch raise their young because they often do it in an area where humans can easily observe this process.

To legally destroy a nest, one must obtain a permit from the State Parks and Recreation Department. It must be considered a safety hazard, for example, a nest on a fire sprinkler, for them to issue a permit. Persons caught removing or destroying a barn swallow nest without a permit are subject to both federal and state fines and potential jail time!

Please keep the questions coming.