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Help Us Keep Track of Nesting Sites
It Is Illegal to Disturb or Destroy Active Nests in Arizona
Most bird nests in Arizona are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which makes it illegal to disturb or destroy active nests (those with eggs or chicks) or to possess nests without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Nesting sites can be found in various locations, including trees, shrubs, cacti, on the ground, and even on man-made structures.
The primary nesting season in Arizona for most birds typically runs from February 1st to August 31st, though some species may nest outside this period.
Trimming Trees & Shrubs in Warmer Months Can Be Devastating for Wildlife
Tending to trees and shrubs in the warmer months when birds are nesting can have horrible effects on wildlife. People commonly find eggs and destroy nests while tending to their yards, which overloads rehabilitation facilities.
In order to protect wildlife and create safe habitats, we recommend planning any large-scale landscaping projects such as removing large trees and pruning palms in October through December. This is when all wildlife can fly or scurry away without being injured from saws, falling branches, and so on.
Don't Prune During Nesting Seasons or Around a Nest
Nesting season starts as early as January for great horned owls and hummingbirds and continues through October for other species. All nests are designed to be hidden in order to protect young from predators, which makes it easy for humans to miss them and inadvertently destroy them.
We also don't recommend pruning around a nest. Branches and leaves provide shade, camouflage, and protection for wildlife. Pruning around a known nest increases risk of heat exhaustion and predator attacks, and parents may choose to abandon the nest.
Birds nest in spring and summer. Please plan large-scale pruning and removals only in the fall and winter when wildlife is not nesting.
Our Love-Hate Relationship With Palm Trees in the Desert
Palm trees—iconic symbols of many tropical and subtropical landscapes—present a paradox for wildlife conservation groups. On one hand, untrimmed palm trees are vital havens for nesting species. The dense skirts of dead fronds provide shelter and nesting sites for a wide array of birds, including owls, woodpeckers, and bats. These skirts offer a rich microhabitat, essential for species that thrive in environments with limited nesting options.
Complications of Fire & Destroyed Nests in Palm Trees
This rich habitat comes at a cost. When palm trees are left untrimmed, they can pose significant fire risks, especially when located close to homes. The dry fronds can easily catch fire, turning a tree into a towering inferno. The risk of this danger leads to routine trimming, often during the palm’s seed production phase, which tragically coincides with the peak of the nesting season. Trimming not only disrupts active nests—destroying eggs and young birds—but it also eliminates future habitat by stripping the tree of its ability to support nesting in the coming seasons.
How to Balance Safety & Conservation with Palm Trees
For conservationists, this creates a challenging dilemma. While the ecological benefits of untrimmed palms are clear, the safety risks and timing of trimming can severely undermine wildlife conservation efforts. To address this, it’s recommended that wildlife habitats be established in low-risk areas where the threat of fire is minimal, allowing palm trees to thrive without the need for disruptive maintenance. In contrast, problem trees in high-risk areas should be carefully managed or removed to ensure both safety and conservation goals are met.
When palm trees are situated in the right areas, they not only provide essential habitat but also contribute to a balanced ecosystem by supporting beneficial predators. This approach helps maintain a healthy ecology while protecting communities from potential fire hazards. Balancing the needs of human safety with wildlife preservation requires careful planning, public education, and strategic trimming practices that minimize harm to nesting species.
Palm Tree sticker that shows the many species who call it home - click to order
If You Need Help Keeping a Nest Safe, Please Call for Help
Native Arizona wildlife and migratory birds are legally protected, and some situations should be reported to the authorities. If you need help keeping a nest safe, please contact AZ Game & Fish and USFWS.