If a blackbird breeds on your balcony from one day to the next or has even laid an egg, good advice is expensive at first.
With a few exceptions, removing the nest is forbidden.
The blackbird (Turdus merula) feels so well looked after in Germany that it breeds up to three times a year.
A beautifully green balcony box away from cats and other predators is a welcome invitation for some birds.
But not every balcony owner is just as happy about the uninvited guest.
As a rule, it is forbidden by law to remove the nest.
On the other hand, if you don't have a problem with the nest, you can grab the blackbirds' wings a little.
Blackbird nests on balcony: The nest must not be removed
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If there is still a free spot on your balcony, you should let a brooding blackbird do.
© mm images/Imago
Blackbirds usually prefer hard-to-reach hedges and shrubs as nesting sites.
From the end of February to August they build their nests - therefore cutting the hedge is also forbidden from March 1st.
They lay four to six eggs in the nest, which is ready for occupancy after two to three days, and incubate for about two weeks until the first young hatch.
So it goes quite quickly and gives nature lovers exclusive insights into the rearing and behavior of the animals once they have decided on the balcony as a breeding ground.
However, if you prefer to grow herbs or flowers on the balcony box and want to avoid possible nagging from blackbirds, you have to consider a few things before you touch the nest.
If there are already eggs in the nest, according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the nest may neither be removed nor moved.
Of course, this applies not only to blackbirds, but to all birds, such as pigeons.
Then patience is called for until the chicks hatch and fledge within four weeks in the case of blackbirds.
If the nest is still empty, you can put it somewhere else.
If the birds are just beginning to build a nest, you can disturb them to discourage them.
You can find even more exciting garden topics in the regular newsletter of our partner 24garten.de.
The better alternative: leave the feathered guests alone and watch them
If the blackbirds are so fond of your balcony that they keep looking for a spot, it helps to make friends with what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Especially since they provide good fertilizer with their bird droppings.
The feathered guests are also very easy to care for if left alone for a little while.
It is still possible to step onto the balcony, but this should be done with a little calm and without hectic movements or frightening noises - the animals will probably get used to people quickly.
You shouldn't feed them, but offering them a bird bath is a nice gesture, especially on hot days - but the water should be changed daily for hygiene reasons.
If you have a large window pane facing the balcony against which the animals can fly, you should camouflage it somewhat if possible.
The smallest birds in the world: you will definitely find one in your garden
The smallest birds in the world: you will definitely find one in your garden
Did a chick fall out of the nest?
Even if one often hears that one should not touch wild young animals, in this case it is permitted and desired that you put the animal back in the nest.
List of rubrics: © mm images/Imago