* in your gutter, clothes drier or kitchen fan vent (house sparrows
and starlings);

* above your front door (barn swallows);

* in a bucket in your garage (Carolina wrens);

* in your hanging basket (house finches);

* a pile of twigs on your window sill (doves);

* in the shrubs next to your front door (mockingbirds).

The federal and state laws that protect wild birds also protect their
nests and eggs. You must have a federal permit to disturb the adults,
nests or eggs.

The most effective way to eliminate these problems is to discourage the
bird before the nest is built by offering an alternative artificial
" nest" nearby, but out of your way. Bird Feeders and Bird Houses If that doesn't work, contact a
federal or state agent for advice. Resist the temptation to destroy the
nest or harass the adults.

House (or English) sparrows, pigeons and starlings are not protected by
law. You may remove the nests, eggs and adults.