Wild bird rehabilitation centre calls on municipalities and homeowners to help protect nesting birds

HUDSON, QC — As spring yard maintenance begins across Quebec, Le Nichoir is urging residents to postpone cedar hedge trimming and removal until later in the year in order to protect nesting birds and prevent unnecessary harm to wildlife.

Every year, Le Nichoir admits numerous orphaned baby birds after active nests are unknowingly destroyed during hedge trimming. Many of these young birds arrive healthy, having been actively cared for by their parents moments before their habitat was disturbed.

In the beginning of May, Le Nichoir admitted 13 baby birds from three different species after a single cedar hedge was removed.

“These birds should have grown up in the wild under the care of their parents,” said Susan Wylie, Executive Director. “Even with expert rehabilitation, nothing can fully replace the natural upbringing and survival skills that parent birds provide.”

Cedar hedges, shrubs, and dense vegetation are commonly used as nesting sites by many bird species throughout Quebec. Unfortunately, nests are often extremely difficult to spot, especially when hidden deep within thick foliage.

Le Nichoir is encouraging homeowners, landscapers, and municipalities to avoid hedge trimming during peak nesting season, generally from May through July, with some species continuing to nest into September.

Citizens are encouraged to contact their municipality and urge them to consider adopting bird-friendly landscaping guidelines. To help support this initiative, Le Nichoir has created a template letter that residents can use.

Before trimming a hedge, residents are encouraged to:

  • Carefully inspect hedges and shrubs for nests, eggs, or baby birds
  • Remember that nests may be deeply hidden within foliage
  • Delay trimming whenever possible until nesting season has ended

Under Canada’s Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, it is illegal to damage, destroy, or disturb the active nests and eggs of most migratory bird species.

Le Nichoir is also encouraging municipalities to consider adopting seasonal hedge-trimming bylaws to help protect wildlife and educate residents about responsible landscaping practices.

“Simple changes in timing can save countless birds,” said Susan Wylie. “This is an easy and meaningful way for communities to help local wildlife thrive.”

For more information about nesting birds and wildlife-safe landscaping practices, visit the “Learn” tab on our website.