Robin Nesting on Ceiling Fan Blades

by Maura
(Sudbury, MA, USA)

A robin has been trying to build her nest on the blades of the ceiling fan on my back porch.

Her building materials just slide off the blades, but she keeps trying, leaving behind massive piles of nest building material.

The only thing that deters her is when I run the fan.

When I turn off the fan, she is back to trying again. She does not seem interested in any other location.

I have been using my porch as a container gardening site, so I would rather not leave the porch unused for months.

So, how much longer need I run the fan? Any other ideas about how to discourage her?

When will robins' nesting season be over in New England?

Consider Bird Netting - Safely!

As long as the netting is installed securely, kept tight, and positioned so it does not contact the spinning blades, it is a safe and effective deterrent.

When installed properly, bird netting:

• Prevents birds from accessing the fan blades as a nesting site
• Allows the fan to be used normally
• Does not harm birds or interfere with airflow
• Can be removed easily once nesting season has passed

Netting should never be loose or draped where birds could become trapped.

Why would a robin try to nest on a ceiling fan?

Robins look for flat, elevated surfaces that offer overhead protection and a clear view of their surroundings.

A porch ceiling fan can resemble a sheltered ledge, especially if it is still and rarely used early in the season.

Do robins reuse the same nesting spot if it doesn't work?

Not usually, but persistence early in the season is common. If a robin has not yet laid eggs, she may repeatedly attempt to build in the same poor location before finally abandoning it.

Is it legal to remove robin nest material from a ceiling fan?

Yes, as long as there are no eggs. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, active nests with eggs or young cannot be disturbed.

Nest material that has not yet become an active nest can be removed to discourage further attempts.

When is robin nesting season in New England?

In New England, robins typically begin nesting from late March through July. Some pairs raise two broods, which means nesting behavior can extend into midsummer.

Early-season attempts like this one usually happen before eggs are laid.

Will the robin return next year?

Possibly. Robins often return to the same general area, especially if they were successful nearby.

Preventive measures early next spring—before nesting behavior begins, are the most effective way to avoid a repeat situation.