Save nests, push Marin tree-trimming to winter

Thanks to the Marin IJ for printing the commentary from Lisa Bloch of Marin Humane (“It's baby wildlife season; here's how you can help,” April 5). Bloch is correct in expressing how lucky we are to live in an area teeming with wildlife and gorgeous trees, as well as pointing out the need to keep all creatures safe during baby wildlife season.

I would also like to share big thanks to WildCare, the San Rafael nonprofit organization that works year-round to mend, rescue and protect wildlife. Given the wildlife in our area, we need to be conscious of nesting birds from now until October.

We must take care not to prune trees or shrubs in a way that prevents nesting. We must remember that disturbing or destroying a nest can be a violation of federal and state law. By trimming trees in the winter months, we can generally avoid the possibility of damaging a nest.

I would also like to give a big shoutout and thank you to the Marin Roundtree Homeowners Association of San Rafael for canceling their scheduled tree trimming in April. The HOA is leading the way in protecting and preserving our nesting birds. Hopefully, more will follow the leadership demonstrated by Roundtree HOA President Sue Zee Poinsett.

Each day, I hear more birds singing in the trees. I would like to think they are showing the humans appreciation for allowing them to nest in the trees, where they belong.

Though trimming trees is an integral part of landscaping, paying attention to the time of year is imperative. Bird nesting season must be taken into account. Offending tree companies need to get their act together for the protection of our very special birds.

— S. Farrell, San Rafael