There is additional protection during the nesting season given to birds (and their nests, eggs and dependent young) listed on what is known as Schedule 1 – there is a full list of Schedule 1 species here. (Note that some additional species are protected on the Isle of Man.) For these species there are additional conditions. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them while nest building, BUT ALSO while they’re at or near a nest containing eggs or young, or to disturb their dependent young. Reckless activity, for example, might include working too near the nest of a Schedule 1 species despite knowing it was there, or disturbing adults or young whilst trying to take photographs of them (or of course disturbing a nesting bird of prey, which are all listed as Schedule One species).     Most people will never be anywhere near a nesting Schedule 1 species as they’re mostly scarce residents here or are only visitors to the UK breeding in very small numbers, but note that some frequently photographed and more widespread species are on the list including Kingfisher, Barn Owl, Little Tern, Bearded Tit, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler. Note that “disturbing” (without destroying) an active nest of a bird that is NOT on Schedule 1 is not an offence even though the adults might desert the existing nest for somewhere quieter.