It's the time of year when birds build nests so that their babies can hatch. So the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary�in San Pedro (ACES) encourages people who want to trim their trees to either wait for another few months or to be extremely careful if they decide to do so now.

Christina Manzi, Wildlife Rehabilitator, ACES Wildlife Rescue

"It's nesting season for the birds, so a lot of them are preparing nests, so they're collecting and they're trying to find really strategic spots that are going to be safe, that are going to hold up against winds, that are going to protect against predators, so they're very particular about where they're going to put that nest. A lot of work goes into it, so if you're trimming trees, it's better to hold off until the months that are a little bit later in the year - September, October, November, December, January, February - much better time."

Marion Ali

"How do you sell that argument to people who will tell you that in two months' time its hurricane season and this is the time to trim trees?"

Christina Manzi

"Yap, yap, well that's a good point. If you're going to trim trees right now, the best thing you can do is look at where you're going; look at where you're going. Inspect, is there a nest there? If there is and that tree has to come down, or that limb has to come down, maybe contact a wildlife rescue group in your area and that way the animals don't have to die, that way they don't get displaced, or you don't cause fear to the mother or father who may not come back to take care of them."


If You See Bird Nests in Your Tree, Call the ACES Number

Manzi says people can easily call for help to remove the birds and their nests if cutting or trimming the trees is urgent.

Christina Manzi, Wildlife Rehabilitator, ACES Wildlife Rescue

"See if you see a mother or father. If they've hatched already, they're going to be going back and forth because they're trying to find food to feed those babies. If you see clumps up in a tree you might want to pull out some binoculars and investigate those clumps to see if maybe there is a little beak�take some time and observe the area�there's always somebody that's willing to help. Those birds don't have to suffer. They're a beautiful part of Belize."

Marion Ali

"Do you find that this happens a lot?"

Christina Manzi

"It does happen, it does happens�there were casualties."

The number to call ACES Wildlife Rescue is: 623 7920. That number can be reached even on weekends and holidays.


Channel 5