Keeping hummingbird habitats happy means trimming trees prior to nesting, SPCA advises

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File: An Anna's hummingbird perches on a fence on a winter's day in February 2014 in Oakley. With nesting season just around the corner for these diminutive avians, wildlife experts advise to trim trees and shrubs now so as not to disrupt them when they are caring for their young. (Glenn Gehlke/Local News Matters)

Trimming trees and shrubs now, in the winter season, could save the lives of hundreds of baby hummingbirds and other birds later on, a wildlife rescue center said.

Birds and small mammals are usually not yet nesting at this time, so they are not in danger of falling when a limb is trimmed, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center said.

Also, trimming in winter provides trees with added protection as they heal, because there are fewer pests and diseases present to harm them, according to the wildlife rescue center.

“Every spring, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescues hundreds of baby birds,” according to a news release from the center. “Many of these birds come to us from people unintentionally trimming trees during the wrong season.”

Anyone who sees a nest or baby bird on the ground should call the center at (831) 264-5427 for advice, the center said.

The post Keeping hummingbird habitats happy means trimming trees prior to nesting, SPCA advises appeared first on Local News Matters.

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