The dense, cascading fronds of a hanging fern create an ideal micro-habitat for common porch-nesting birds, such as House Finches and American Robins. These species are instinctively drawn to the potted foliage because its elevated position and thick structure offer a concealed, stable foundation for their nests. The height of the basket provides a natural defense against ground predators, while the abundant green growth offers reliable shelter from the elements. This combination of security and concealment makes the hanging fern a preferred nesting site near human dwellings, often leading to conflicts over porch space and plant care. Finding a humane solution requires understanding these biological preferences and implementing proactive measures before the nesting season begins in earnest.
Timing and Legal Considerations for Nest Intervention
Before attempting to remove any nesting materials, it is necessary to first determine the status of the nest due to federal law. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects most native bird species in the United States, making it unlawful to take, possess, or disturb any migratory bird, or any part, nest, or egg of such bird. Once a nest contains eggs or active young, it is strictly illegal to move, destroy, or otherwise interfere with it.
The only lawful course of action for an active nest is to wait until the young have successfully fledged, which typically takes between four to five weeks from egg-laying to departure. However, the MBTA does not prohibit the destruction or removal of a nest that is completely inactive and does not contain any eggs or birds. If you discover a nest under construction, meaning it is only a partial collection of debris without a cup or eggs, you should remove it immediately to prevent the female from completing her clutch. Consistent monitoring is required, as birds can build a nest and lay eggs in a week or less.
Immediate Physical Barriers and Structural Modification
The most direct way to deter nesting is to physically alter the fern to make the location unsuitable for securing a nest cup. Birds seek a stable, flat surface concealed by cover, which can be eliminated by aggressive pruning. By carefully trimming the center of the fern, you can remove the structural void and the concealed foundation birds rely on to build their nests. This modification removes the stability and exposure protection that attracts the birds in the first place.
Another effective strategy is to fill the empty space in the hanging basket with materials that prevent the bird from accessing the soil surface. Crumpled aluminum foil, pinecones, or even plastic bags can be tightly packed into the center of the fern, making it impossible to form a nest cup. Alternatively, you can insert physical obstructions directly into the soil. Sticking plastic forks, skewers, or sturdy twigs tines-up into the potting mix creates an uncomfortable and unstable landing zone.
A more comprehensive barrier involves wrapping the entire pot with a fine-mesh material, such as chicken wire or bird netting. This barrier should be secured tightly around the fern’s base or draped over the entire plant and basket, blocking all entry points to the soil. While this may temporarily affect the plant’s aesthetic, it is a highly effective method for immediately preventing the entry of nesting birds.
Sensory and Environmental Deterrents
Birds rely heavily on visual cues and a sense of security, which can be disrupted by introducing novel or startling elements near the plant. Hanging reflective objects near the fern is an established deterrent because the unpredictable flashes of light and movement startle the birds. Old CDs, strips of reflective tape, or aluminum foil hung from the porch ceiling or near the basket can create this visual distraction.
Movement and noise are also effective sensory deterrents that signal a lack of safety. Attaching small pinwheels or wind chimes near the fern introduces unexpected motion and sound, which birds often perceive as a threat. The irregular movement of streamers or foil strips attached to the basket’s hanger can also disrupt their flight path and discourage landing. Rotating the type or location of the deterrent can prevent birds from becoming accustomed to a single static object.
Relocating the fern to a less secluded spot can also reduce its attractiveness as a nesting site. Birds prefer quiet, low-traffic areas, so moving the basket closer to a frequently used door or a busy walkway introduces human activity that they typically avoid. Additionally, certain strong scents can be repellent; cotton balls saturated with peppermint or citrus oil and tucked into the top layer of the potting soil may deter birds, as they dislike intense aromas.
Long-Term Seasonal Prevention
A successful long-term strategy focuses on proactively implementing deterrents before the birds begin their scouting and nesting cycle in early spring. The most reliable method is to simply remove the hanging ferns entirely before the nesting season starts, which often coincides with the first signs of warm weather. If removal is not an option, proactive blocking measures must be installed well in advance of the first nesting attempts.
Netting or structural fill materials should be placed in the ferns before the birds have a chance to select the site. By establishing the physical obstruction early, the fern is never available for consideration as a nesting location. Modifying the surrounding habitat also reduces the overall bird presence in the immediate area. Ensuring that nearby secondary nesting sites, such as loose eaves, open gutters, or broken window sills, are repaired can encourage birds to seek shelter in a different location entirely.