If you have heard the sounds of baby birds chirping coming from your chimney, you might be wondering how you can get them out. However, when it comes to chimney swifts, you have to wait for these birds to leave on their own because this species is protected by federal law in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Once they have returned to their winter homes in South America, Blue Ridge Chimney Services can help get your chimney ready for fall. We would like to tell you more about chimney swifts and what services we provide to prevent them from coming into your chimney.
Why do chimney swifts choose chimneys for nesting spots?
Hollow trees are the preferred places for chimney swifts and birds to build their nests. However, because many trees have been cut down for real estate development, these birds often mistake a chimney for a hollow tree. Unlike the majority of birds, chimney swifts cannot stand upright or perch, so they must find a chimney or similar structure to be able to raise their families.
Why are chimney swifts protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?
In 1918, the United States established this federal protection of migratory birds to prevent them from becoming endangered species. Under this act, anyone who knowingly removes, disturbs, or destroys chimney swifts and/or their nests that contain eggs or baby birds could face high penalty fines. At Blue Ridge Chimney Services, we cannot sweep your chimney until the chimney swifts have left on their own.
In the meantime, you will have to share your chimney with these birds. Although the sounds of the babies chirping for food may be loud and annoying, it will not last for very long. Chimney swifts can actually be beneficial housemates as a family of these birds eats, on average, over 12,000 flying insects every day, according to the Chimney Swift Conservation Association.
How can Blue Ridge Chimney Services help me once the birds have flown away?
After the birds have returned to their winter homes in September, you should give us a call to come and remove their nesting materials from your chimney. This important professional chimney maintenance appointment includes a basic inspection. We can also prevent these birds from returning to your chimney next spring by installing a new chimney cap. Not only will a cap keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals out of your chimney, but it will also prevent water penetration and stop hot sparks and embers from jumping out of the top of the chimney to ignite an accidental fire.
You can trust Blue Ridge Chimney Services to help you with chimney swifts. Contact us today to learn more about these birds and our professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services!