Nest Clearance Surveys

A nest clearance survey is required before any tree removal, pruning, or vegetation clearing during the migratory bird nesting season, generally April 1 to August 31 in the Greater Toronto Area. Many municipalities and conservation authorities won't approve tree work during this window without a completed nest sweep.

The federal Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) and the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 (MBR 2022) prohibit disturbing, destroying, or removing nests containing a live migratory bird or viable egg. Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Endangered Species Act, 2007 provide additional provincial protections. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment.

A nest clearance survey is typically valid for only 48 hours. If your tree work or vegetation clearing isn't completed within that window, a new survey must be conducted before work can resume. This is because birds can begin nesting in a new location very quickly.

Our qualified biologists visually inspect every tree, shrub, and structure proposed for removal or disturbance. We check branches for active nests, monitor cavities for bird activity, and look for signs of nesting behaviour. Particular attention is paid to early-nesting species like raptors and Schedule 1 species such as Pileated Woodpecker and Great Blue Heron, whose nests are protected year-round.

Under the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, 18 species have year-round nest protection, even when the nest is unoccupied. In the GTA, the most commonly encountered are the Pileated Woodpecker (36-month wait to remove an abandoned nest) and Great Blue Heron (24-month wait). If a Schedule 1 nest is found, a notification must be submitted through the federal Abandoned Nest Registry before it can be removed.

If an active nest is found, work must stop in that area immediately. A buffer zone is established around the nest, and work cannot resume near it until the young have naturally fledged and left the nest. We'll document the findings and advise on how to proceed. In many cases, work can continue in other areas of the site while the nest is active.

Generally yes. Outside the April 1 to August 31 window, most tree work can proceed without a nest sweep. However, some species nest earlier or later than typical dates, and nests of Schedule 1 species are protected year-round. If you're working in late March or early September, a precautionary survey is recommended.

Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, individuals face fines up to $1,000,000 and/or up to 3 years imprisonment. Corporations face fines up to $1,000,000. Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act carries additional penalties. Beyond legal consequences, violations can result in Stop Work Orders and significant project delays.

We offer next-day nest clearance surveys across the Greater Toronto Area. Given the 48-hour validity window, we coordinate closely with your tree removal or construction crew so the survey is timed for work to begin immediately after clearance.

We serve the entire Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Burlington, Hamilton, Pickering, Caledon, King, Durham Region, and York Region.