It's that exciting time of year when ducks, geese, and many other birds are nesting, with eggs soon to hatch into baby birds! While it’s natural (especially for kids) to be curious and want to peek into these nests, it’s important to remember that they need help in protecting them, too. Carolyn May, director of finance and operations at Norman Bird Sanctuary, offered this most important piece of advice: “If you stumble upon a nest, it's best to leave it alone.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind as an ‘observer’ of these birds: 

• Observe from a distance and avoid any actions that might disturb the birds (this will help keep the parents from abandoning their nests).

• Keep pets away from nesting areas to prevent unintentional harm or stress to the birds. 

• Canada geese and mallards are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits harming or handling them, their nests, or their eggs. 

• Feel free to post a sign near the nest to inform others that the birds are federally protected and should only be observed from a distance. 

• If possible, install a small barrier using barbed wire or rope to help keep people and animals away. 

Note: This information was compiled from Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Wild Life Clinic. For some detailed information on protecting all types of birds, visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s website.