Planning tree felling or facade renovation without knowledge of nature protection regulations can result in a hefty fine. The bird breeding season is not just a biological issue – it's a legal requirement that must be taken into account for almost every investment.
Before getting into the details, here are the key points of the entire article:
The breeding season for birds is a crucial time in their life cycle, encompassing pair formation, egg-laying, and chick-rearing. It is a period of nest building, incubation, and intensive feeding of the young until they fledge.
In Polish climatic conditions, most species begin breeding from March. However, some birds – like white-tailed eagles or tawny owls – start as early as winter. Others, like swifts or swallows, do not arrive until late spring.
The initiation of breeding depends on a combination of internal and external factors. Food availability is the most important factor influencing the timing of egg-laying in birds. The weather conditions of a given year can shift the dates by several weeks.
In nature conservation practice, the framework is adopted from 1 March to 15 October. From a legal perspective, it is important not only whether the general breeding season is underway, but also whether nests are actually present on a specific tree.
Different species have different breeding calendars and different numbers of broods per year. Here are the approximate dates for the most popular birds:
| Species | Start of incubations | End of breeding season | Number of broods |
| Coal tit | End of March | July-August | 2-3 |
| Blue tit | April | July | 1-2 |
| House sparrow | February/March | August | 4-5 |
| Feral pigeon | February | October | 4-6 |
| Carrion crow | March | June | 1 |
| Great spotted woodpecker | March | May-June | 1 |
| Dudek | May | July | 1 |
| Swallow | May | August | 1-2 |
For certain bird species, such as white-tailed eagles, the breeding season can last from January to July, and for sparrows from February/March to August. Swifts nest from May to August. These extremes justify the broad timeframe for the adopted protection period.
Urban pigeons pose a particular problem – they can have as many as 6 broods a year, which makes it practically impossible to indicate a safe period for works.
Bird protection is part of a broader environmental protection system, governed by several legal acts.
Main sources of law
Prohibitions during the breeding season include the destruction, removal, or damage of nests and the wilful disturbance of birds in their breeding grounds. Species protection for birds applies all year round – regardless of whether a given species is currently nesting, overwintering or migrating.
By a regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment, it has been clarified that the removal of unoccupied nests of certain species is permitted from 16 October to the end of February.
On the green areas of national parks and nature reserves, the park director has additional powers. In cases of large-scale habitat destruction, Article 181 of the Penal Code applies.
Tree felling during the bird breeding season poses a serious threat to their habitats and the ecosystem as a whole. This is one of the most common problems encountered in nature conservation practice.
Recommended practice
In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment, the removal of bird nests from buildings or green areas is permitted only during the period from 16 October to the end of February, and only when safety or sanitary reasons require it.
If felling may breach habitat destruction or bird disturbance prohibitions, consent must be sought from the Regional Director for Environmental Protection or the General Director for Environmental Protection.
Disrupting the breeding process of birds, especially through habitat destruction, has serious consequences for the biological balance in a given area. The removal of a tree with an active nest is not just an offense – it's real damage to the population.
Responsible planning makes it possible to reconcile investments with nature conservation and avoid costly delays.
Basic principles
The survey should include observations in the morning (6-9 AM) and evening (6-8 PM). An active nest is characterised by adults regularly arriving with food.
In the event of a safety hazard (a tree posing a risk of collapse), you can apply for a permit for derogations. Well-documented planning reduces the risk of disputes during inspections.
Nature conservation regulations are not defunct. Violation of prohibitions concerning protected species during the bird breeding season constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable by arrest or a fine, in accordance with Article 131 point 14 of the Nature Conservation Act.
Possible sanctions:
| Type of violation | Consequence |
| The destruction of a single nest | Fine of up to PLN 5,000 |
| Damage to nests of many species | Imprisonment and damages |
| Large-scale destruction of the breeding area | 5 years imprisonment (Article 181 of the Polish Penal Code) |
| Unlicensed felling | Administrative penalties + replacement planting |
In the event of serious violations, such as the destruction of large areas of a stronghold, administrative penalties or criminal liability may be imposed under the Criminal Code.
The removal of bird nests without permission during the breeding season is prohibited and may result in financial penalties. Suspicions can be reported to the Police, municipal guard, or the regional environmental protection directorate.
There are many myths surrounding the breeding season that hinder responsible work planning.
With „If nests aren't visible, you can cut.” Fact: Many species nest within tree canopies, in tree hollows or in buildings. 60% nests are hidden from view.
With „The birds will return to the abandoned eggs.” Fact: Frequent disturbance leads to the abandonment of the brood in 80% cases.
Birds play a key role in the ecosystem, controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. When undertaking thermal modernisation, it is worth installing nest boxes – this compensates for the loss of n esting and feeding sites for sparrows and swifts.
Even leaving some old trees or maintaining overgrown areas is important for migratory and overwintering bird populations.
May is the middle of the breeding season (from March 1st to October 15th), so intensive pruning is not advised. Before the chicks hatch, check carefully for the presence of nests. Minor sanitary cuts of individual dry branches are less problematic but require prior inspection.
Nests of strictly protected bird species are protected even when they appear unused. Removal is possible from 16 October to the end of February and only for safety or sanitary reasons. Contact the regional environmental protection directorate regarding species protection in a specific situation.
Responsibility can be borne by both the contractor and the client. Authorities investigate whether vetting was carried out and whether a permit existed. It is advisable to clearly define the obligation to comply with regulations in contracts – this protects against unfairly shifting responsibility solely onto the contractor.
The vast majority of wild species are subject to strict or partial protection. This protection covers birds, eggs, nests and resting places. Ignorance of the protected species lists does not absolve one of responsibility – if in doubt, consult a specialist.
Observe from a safe distance. An active nest is characterised by more than 3 adult arrivals with food per hour. During the incubation period, birds may sit on the nest for over 30 minutes. Do not touch the nest – depending on the species, stress can be fatal for the young.
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