Nest_reporting_instructions

Reporting Nest Removal/Relocation Information in the Injury and
Mortality Reporting (IMR) System
*Please refer to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) Nest Destruction Memorandum (April 15, 2003) for
complete details on the policy regarding avian nest destruction activities

What nest relocations/removals do I report in IMR? For now, we are only requesting
reporting relocations and removals of active nests that do not belong to Threatened or
Endangered (T&E) species or eagles.
What is the definition of an active nest? Any structure with an egg or a chick in it
should be considered an active nest.
Under what conditions can I remove or destroy a nest without first consulting
with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service)? It is illegal to remove or attempt to
move the nests of any species of bird while there are eggs or young in the nest.
However, once the young have left the nest of bird species that are not eagle or T&E
species, you can remove and/or destroy the nest provided that no possession occurs
during the removal or destruction process. Removal or destruction of an inactive nest
that does not belong to an eagle or T&E species does not have to be reported in IMR.
What do I do if I need to remove or relocate an active nest NOT belonging to an
eagle or T&E species? If eggs or young are present in the nest it is considered active.
Active nest relocation or removal may only be undertaken by an authorized Federal,
State, or local employee in the performance of their official duties, or by an individual
authorized by the Service for the nest removal. Individuals interested in applying for a
Service permit to remove or relocate an active nest may do so by contacting
their Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office. The permit process can be lengthy,
particularly if the active nest does not pose a safety hazard, therefore removal of
nesting material from nests under construction should be conducted on a daily basis to
deter birds from nesting. Active nest removals for nests of species that are not eagles or
T&E species should be reported in IMR.
What do I do if I need to remove or relocate an eagle nest? If you need to remove or
relocate an eagle nest (in use or not) and do not yet have a permit to do so, please
contact your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office for further guidance. Removals and
relocations of eagle nests do not need to be reported in IMR at this time.
What do I do if I need to remove or relocate a T&E nest? If you need to remove or
relocate a nest belonging to a T&E species (in use or not), please contact the
nearest Ecological Services Field Office for further guidance. Removals and relocations
of T&E nests do not need to be reported in IMR at this time