The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) is urging local residents to finish up tree trimming and brush clearing now to protect spring nests. During spring and summer SBWCN sees many patients orphaned as a result of harmful tree-trimming practices.

In warmer months, wild animals are actively nesting. Many of them, especially those that nest in tree cavities such as woodpeckers and squirrels, are in danger of losing their nests and their lives to tree trimming.

SBWCN recommends that tree-trimming be saved for months ending in the letter “R” to avoid nesting season.

“Even though it’s late in the season to trim trees to protect nesting birds, any work that needs to be done should occur as soon as possible to avoid significant impact to wildlife. It is incredibly sad to see entire nests of baby birds brought to our center for care, and we want to work with the community to avoid these impacts to wildlife.” said Ariana Katovich, SBWCN executive director.

If trimming a tree is absolutely necessary, ask your arborist if they know the signs of active nesting, how to look for nests, and the legal consequences for knocking down or destroying nests.

Some signs of active nesting are:

Gathering of nesting materials: twigs, feathers, and other non-food items

Back-and-forth movement of animals between a specific tree and other locations.

Increased vocalization around a specific tree.

SBWCN recommends watching for these signs at least three days prior to having a tree trimmed. If there are signs of nesting, but it still seems necessary to trim a tree, contact the SBWCN, 805-681-1080 for advice. Learn more about SBWCN and how to protect wildlife at www.sbwcn.org.

SBWCN is also launching a volunteer led re-nesting program and needs help to successfully re-nest any displaced wildlife. To volunteer, contact volunteer@sbwcn.org for more information.