Spring and summer bring more time outdoors, which means we often spot new life in nature—especially baby birds in nests. Maybe you’ve found a bird’s nest tucked away in the corner of your patio or hidden in the bushes while trimming. It’s natural to want to make sure the eggs or babies are safe.
But one important rule to remember: Don’t move or disturb that nest!
Is It Illegal to Move or Destroy a Bird’s Nest in Texas?
You might not have thought twice about this before. Many people know it’s good to leave a bird’s nest alone if it has eggs or hatchlings, but did you know it’s actually against the law to move or destroy them?
According to Texas law, specifically Chapter 64 of the Parks and Wildlife Code:
- Section 64.003 says no one may destroy or take nests, eggs, or young birds protected by the code—except as the law allows.
- Section 64.005 explains that breaking this rule is a Class C misdemeanor, which usually means a fine.
What Does This Mean for You?
Yes, moving or destroying a bird’s nest in Texas is illegal. The penalty might just be a fine, but it will still be on your record as a misdemeanor.
So even if it seems like a small thing, it’s best to leave nests completely alone. If you want to check the full legal text, you can visit the Texas statutes website at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
Best Practice: Wait Until the Babies Leave
If you find a nest with eggs or baby birds, the safest and kindest thing to do is wait until all the young birds have left the nest naturally. After that, you can safely do your yard work, like trimming bushes or cleaning up.
Respecting nature this way helps protect Texas wildlife and keeps you on the right side of the law.