Q: I know cleaning bluebird boxes is important, but doesn’t this contradict the law about not disturbing native bird habitat?

A: Birding expert Georgann Schmalz http://www.birdingadventuresinc.com says it’s highly recommended to clean out and throw away the old nests in your bird boxes. This should be done in late fall or winter since some birds in Georgia may start building in late January. The Migratory Bird Act does prohibit the destruction of any native bird’s nest, whether it is in a box or in a bush or tree. If you have an active nest in your bird box, whether tree swallow, wren, or bluebird, you should not disturb it.