That large tree in your yard may be the home of a mother and her babies during nesting season.

Removal of large significant trees also means removing homes for migrating birds. During nesting season from about February through August, a tree being cut down may likely take with it an active nest with eggs or baby birds. Removal of any tree with an active bird nest is in violation of federal law called the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Removal of trees eliminates the current homes and ecosystems of birds and other small animals. Replanting, while better than not replacing lost trees, can never fully replace the bird home. The replacement trees will take years to be of a size usable for birds to nest again.

To put a human spin on this, imagine having your home taken with your loved ones in it. You’ve lost your loved ones and no viable home will be available to you in the foreseeable future.

Contrary to what a person might think, there are not a lot of “other” trees for birds to move to and build their nests when a tree is cut. We hope you will look out for the neighborhood birds who share our property before considering the removal of their homes.

Tracy Hendershott, Kirkland