Mud Swallows Nest Removal

[eddiememphis]

Anyone do this? Or know someone that can get one that is about 45 feet up, under an eave of a townhouse down at 470 and Santa Fe?

I don't have a ladder that tall, nor the truck to haul one. (Or the desire to scale that high)

My friend had a removal estimate of $11,000. I though that was a *bit* high so I am looking for alternatives.

[def90]

Pressure washer and a ladder that will get you part way there.

Swallows are protected migratory birds so the nest can only be removed when it is empty of eggs or hatchlings.

[eddiememphis]

No outside water. I have an extension pole and scraper but one nest is way up there.

I know about the protected nonsense... I mean valuable law.

Home Depot has a 30' ladder rental for $40 so we may go that way but was hoping someone has one on their work truck and could stop by and take care of it quickly for a few bucks.

[Sawin]

My friend Raymond owns Riverdale Tree Service and has a bucket truck that might be useful… just throwing that out there in case it’s a feasible option.

[arbol]

My local fire department was streching their ladder truck, and pretty amazing how high it got, and with big, wide steps.

Do you have a fire department that might be able to step in and help?

-John

[buffalobo]

Why remove? Causing damage to home? Maybe HOA? Do they hold any responsibilty?

If you're unarmed, you are a victim

[flogger]

I remember hearing about a power washer/window cleaner company that uses drones for cleaning high rise buildings. Might be an option?

We had a big problem with these bastards while building big custom homes north of Monument. As mentioned before, they are protected migratory birds. We ended up putting chicken wire up to keep them from nesting under the soffits, an expensive and ugly fix. Some bird expert said painting the soffits sky blue would work too.

[eddiememphis]

Why remove? Causing damage to home? Maybe HOA? Do they hold any responsibilty?

If you're unarmed, you are a victim

Noise and birdshit running down the side of the building. Plus one nest attracts more birds. She has three of them now.

The HOA claims it is her responsibility which I disagree with but haven't seen her governing documents yet.

I figured if I could take care of it for her for a hundred bucks to a painter or roofer, that would be best for everyone. I think I'll try it this week with my 20' ladder and a pole extension.

I will relocate the precious resources, of course. Take 'em to a nice farm in the country where they can live happy lives.

[Hummer]

Well, here's my take as one of the several forum birders. If there's some overriding reason to take them down, like repainting the structure, don't. At that height, it's not worth risking life and limb without professional equipment. In a younger life, I had a custom painting business and did everything from residential, commercial, apartment complexes, motels and hotels. I could manhandle a 40' ladder solo. Barn Swallow nests are reusable structures that are reused annually. Rain and snow usually wash the siding of droppings, and the droppings fertilize any surrounding ground. Swallows are so-named because their short wide beaks allow them to scoop and swallow insects in flight with incredible skill. Mosquitos and all. They solely insectivores that eat several times their weight in insects every day. That's a pot full of bugs. The positives far outweigh the negatives.

We have swallows nest annually on our Palisade farm home (along with nesting falcons) and at our hotel. They have been notable features enjoyed by many visitors. Considerations include practical, moral and spiritual. I'll let Google AI help:

Barn swallows are seen as a sign of good luck, a harbinger of spring, and a symbol of the return home.

Here's a more detailed look at their symbolism:

Good Luck and Fortune:
Barn swallows are often associated with good fortune, and having them nest on your property is considered a positive omen.

Return of Spring:
Their migration and reappearance coincide with the end of winter and the beginning of spring, making them a symbol of renewal and hope.

Home and Family:
Their close association with human structures, particularly barns and outbuildings, has led to them being seen as symbols of home and family.

Cultural Significance:
Barn swallows appear in art, literature, and folklore, often representing good luck, a return home, and the arrival of spring.

Sailor's Symbol:
In some cultures, particularly among sailors, barn swallows symbolize the hope of a safe return home.

Pest Control:
Barn swallows are natural pest control agents, as they are insectivores, which means they eat insects.

[Hummer]

And tell the HOA Karens that if anyone attempts to remove the nests without legal cause, that they can be reported to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Let them stew on that.