Birds and Chimneys

[TxEx2x]

Last night (and again this am), I heard chirping in my chimney. I'm pretty sure the birds moved in yesterday. Any idea the best way to encourage them to find a new home? It's a new-to-me house, and I don't trust turning on the gas for a fire...

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

This happened to me 3 years ago. Per my previous post on HornFans, it is illegal to do anything about your bird problem until they move away... which will take a couple months. Chimney Swallows or whatever they are called are legally protected. After they move out, install a chimney cap. Some guy charged me 100 bucks to install one... and haven't had any bird problems since.

 

[accuratehorn]

Chimney Swifts arrive about this time of year. Their preferred nesting site is chimneys, or you can build a small tower in your yard resembling a chimney if you want them near you. They eat bugs, so are good to have around.
There are plans on the internet, and a demonstration tower on the far side of the biggest pond at Hornsby Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant by the bird blind, if you're interested.
Waiting until the fledglings have left would be a good idea at this point, then install a cap with a screen on it to keep them out in the future, if that is your intent.