Nesting Bird Season Is Just Around The Corner

You may have put away your calling bird and French hen decorations from the holidays, but the nesting season for local birds is just around the corner. Although February 15 through August 31 is generally considered the nesting season in southern California, some species, such as owls and raptors, start early while other species, such as hummingbirds and doves, may nest year-round. More importantly, changing weather patterns can result in early nest starts for a variety of species. After the devastating fires across the state, some birds may find alternative nesting sites in areas not previously expected. Nesting birds are afforded legal protection by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition, several bird species have additional state and federal protection, particularly during the nesting season, and have specific survey protocols that must be followed. These protocols require a specific number of surveys that need to be conducted during established time periods. Some of the species with protocol surveys include burrowing owl, least Bell’s vireo, Swainson’s hawk, and coastal California gnatcatcher. To ensure nesting birds do not delay your projects, Aspen encourages our clients to be mindful of nesting birds when planning and implementing projects.

If you have a project with nesting bird survey or monitoring requirements, we are ready to assist you. Aspen has the in-house capability to perform a broad range of focused/protocol surveys, and technical analyses, and the experience to successfully guide clients through the regulatory pathway. For questions about nesting bird survey timing, duration, and monitoring, please contact Aspen’s Biology Group Manager, Chis Huntley, at our headquarters in Agoura Hills.