I can't do it! They worked so hard!

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With regard to my bluebird versus sparrows post of a few days ago: I opened the nest box today to pull out the sparrow nest, after watching them build it all day...and I couldn't do it! I felt like a vandal even thinking about it. They worked so hard; how could I possibly destroy it?? I guess I'll figure out a "Plan B", which will likely include the purchase of many more bluebird-size boxes. I must say, I got a kick out of seeing what the sparrow nest was composed of. There were white chicken feathers, orange chicken feathers, a green rooster feather, a black & white polka-dot guinea feather, wool from the sheep, long black hairs from someone's mane or tail, straw, baling twine, and assorted bits of grass and weeds. Two handfuls worth of stuff, at least.

And I'm supposed to destroy it? Not! :)

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), May 09, 2002

Answers

When I first put up bluebird boxes, I felt the same way about the sparrows' nests. No more. The first time I found a dead female bluebird pecked to death on top of her nest changed everything. Sparrows are viewed as vermin on this little homestead, along with the rats and mice.

-- vicki in NW OH (thga76@aol.com), May 09, 2002.

I don't blame you!

-- Cindy in IL (Ilovecajun@aol.com), May 09, 2002.

So? The deerhunters on your property worked fairly hard too. If you really want to give the sparrows a break, move them, nest and all, to a bush during the night. If sparrows are as much a feral introduction in the USA as they are here, that is. If they're natives, ignore me and make your own decisions (which you should do anyway, of course).

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), May 09, 2002.

Well Shannon, you must do what you are comfortable with. I will only say that Norway rats work pretty hard too when they raise young, so do starlings, European house mice, right along with sparrows. I destroy all of them as they are introduced species which carry disease and kill off our native song birds. My 2 cents. LQ

-- Little Quacker in OR (carouselxing@juno.com), May 09, 2002.

You were probably a nice kid too...... Personally I'd sweep it out knowing they'll just build somewhere else. Now if it had eggs I'd leave it as rented for the season. Bluebirds can use a helping hand more, though if it motivates you to throw up a few more boxes what the heck.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), May 09, 2002.


I know, I know. The bluebirds need all the help they can get. I find myself in a real dilemma here. Will keep you posted on what I find out and what I decide to do. I appreciate your input.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), May 09, 2002.

Shannon- Go ahead abd destroy the nest now, before they lay any eggs in it, and don't worry about the birds- nests get destroyed all the time in nature- the birds will just buils another one, hopefully not in another bluebird house.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), May 09, 2002.

LOL......that's cute Shannon. My husband is so disturbed by the sparrows............in his bluebird boxes which he cleans out EVERY night, about 10 of them, they are FULL the next night. Those sparrows work very hard and he works equally as hard to keep them out. Eventually the bluebirds chose their homes and they defend them, but he keeps them open for them until they chose. (that is unless a wren nests in one, or a tree swallow)

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), May 09, 2002.

Shannon, you're absolutely precious! Thanks for the smile. I think it's wonderful the way you see merit and appreciate all God's creatures, even the introduced ones. . . Seems the white man was an introduced species on these shores too. -- Cheers, Renee M.

-- Renee Martin (icehorse@altelco.net), May 10, 2002.

It's always funny to me to hear about people trying to attract bluebirds. My parents live on a hill in northern virginia that seems almost plagued with them ; ) They're there all year round with no encouragment whatsoever (except maybe a lack of chemicals used). They're so beautiful!

-- Elizabeth (lividia66@aol.com), May 10, 2002.


Shannon, it's your choice, but be sure to add a little sulphur to the bottom of the box. If their lice jump on you, you won't value their work so much..

-- Robin Downing (Southpawrobin1@aol.com), May 10, 2002.

Oh shannon.

Your such a sweetie! I would often be the same way! It's hard to know what the 'right' thing is sometimes.

-- Novina in ND (homespun@stellarnet.com), May 10, 2002.


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