Is there a way to keep birds from nesting in a part of a tree?

Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
I have a big oak that overhangs my drive way. Every year, a handful of doves make nests in it. Last year two nests overhung the driveway and I ended up with giant piles of bird poo underneath those nests. If I parked in my driveway for a night, I'd have a 1 foot diameter circle of poo on my car.

I don't mind the doves, but I don't want them to nest over the drive way. Is there anything I can do that doesn't involve cutting half the tree off?
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,535
913
126
219.jpg
 

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
31,017
12,553
136
just harass the birds until they leave.

birds won't make a nest where they will be threatened.

If you have to you can destroy the nests before the lay eggs in it.
 

Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
just harass the birds until they leave.

birds won't make a nest where they will be threatened.

If you have to you can destroy the nests before the lay eggs in it.

I was thinking about that. Just destroying nests with a pole as I see them.
 

Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
Get a cat that climbs trees.

My cat likes to sit in the upstairs window right above the drive way, which mean she'll be looking right at that tree. Unfortunately, she's an indoor cat (her choice, she shows no interest in going outside).
 

Newbian

Lifer
Aug 24, 2008
24,770
865
126
My cat likes to sit in the upstairs window right above the drive way, which mean she'll be looking right at that tree. Unfortunately, she's an indoor cat (her choice, she shows no interest in going outside).

Poor kitty will get her entertainment taken away. :(
 
Nov 26, 2005
15,169
390
126
Build a make shift detourant. hire a tree guy, he'll be glad to do it.. Birds usually nest in crotches, or areas that are dense from suckers. I imagine a mesh fabric with some nails facing outward might help
 

Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
Build a make shift detourant. hire a tree guy, he'll be glad to do it.. Birds usually nest in crotches, or areas that are dense from suckers. I imagine a mesh fabric with some nails facing outward might help

Seems classy. I do need to get my trees trimmed. Can they trim a tree to be unfriendly to nesters?
 
Nov 26, 2005
15,169
390
126
The crotches will have to have a detourant. The suckers can just be cut out, but depending on how old the Oak tree is, and what kind of Oak tree is it might grow back. Fully matured (old growth) Pin Oaks might not sucker back. A fully mature Oak were talking about is over 100yrs old with massive leads. While the tree trimmer is up there have him dead-wood any decaying limbs - that'll cost you though. Climbing around to every part of a huge tree is a PITA imo
 

Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
Park in your garage.

I do right now. I'm wanting to turn my garage into more of a proper shop, which will then leave me without room to park.

I can't even park in the driveway for an afternoon while I work in the garage. I have to park in the street. Stupid birds.
 
Last edited:

fjmeat

Diamond Member
Jan 13, 2010
4,874
0
76
firecrackers. just pop a black-cat off and on, the birds will scatter, but the will return, so keep it going sporadically.
 

bbhaag

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2011
6,922
2,296
146
Are you able to get access to the limbs they make the nests on? If so tanglefoot bird repellent works really well.
 

JTsyo

Lifer
Nov 18, 2007
11,838
978
126
put something like this up there and hope you can't hear it inside.

best yet, leave a horse's head in the nest, they'll understand. They'll leave or... feast.