![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Grub
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Jersey
|
![]()
All,
I'm expanding my question a bit. Even though house wrens are native I prefer they don't use the nest-boxes because they hurt other birds if there is a dispute over the space. It is illegal to mess with their nests since they're native but will any of these methods discourage them but not chickadees or downies? dapjwy, I hope the house sparrows stay manageable near you. The idea of supplying them to a bird rehab place mentioned would make it easier but even if it's the right thing I think I'd be too squeamish about it. Lori |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Salamander
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Iowa, USA
|
![]()
From what I have heard it is legal to remove the dummy nests that the male House Wrens build. I worry about the Wrens, too, but so far they did not try nesting here until late in the season after the others are done. Even so, if I see a pair looking at a box, I open it up. Last year they were interested in the roosting box which has a hole near the bottom, rather than top. Well, I opened the top and they moved on. I actually think they ended up nesting in a brush pile. Other than that I will let nature take its course. I've heard of several things people do to discourage House Wrens, but they are technically not legal.
From what I understand, the methods discouraging HOSP will not discourage the little wrens. There is no hole too small for them. About dealing with HOSP, it's been easier once we had boys old enough to use pellet guns. I can understand your squeamishness, Loris. I did not ever like the other, but having a biting female did make that one easier to deal with.
__________________
Perfection does not always equal neatness. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Alternate POM Judge
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Maryland
|
![]()
As long as the nest boxes are away from the woods the house wrens won't nest in them in this area.
__________________
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous. Aristotle |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Grub
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Jersey
|
![]()
I hope you're right. I've had them use a birdhouse high in the trees before I knew that the kind that can swing would only be used by house sparrows and house wrens. This birdhouse is fixed on a pole and although fairly close too some mature shrubs this part of the yard is sunnier and less like a woods.
Thanks. -- Lori |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 | |
WG Hospitality & UAOKA recipient
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
|
![]() Quote:
The bluebird pair built their nest in their favorite box--the one they use every year. ![]() Last year, I asked a bird rehab place nearby about providing birds, they didn't seem interested at all. I hope never to have to trap and kill house sparrows or European starlings.
__________________
"If suburbia were landscaped with meadows, prairies, thickets or forests, or combinations of these, then the water would sparkle, fish would be good to eat again, birds would sing and human spirits would soar." ~ Lorrie Otto ~ A Native Backyard Blog ~ |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Grub
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Jersey
|
![]()
Hi dapjwy,
I'm glad the house sparrows are gone for you. I was surprised about the rehab place not being interested in captures. Maybe it's related to concerns about health and/or needing a steady supply. Lor |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Grub
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Twin Cities, MN
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Grub
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New Jersey
|
![]()
gymell,
Thanks for the information. That should help if we ever get chickadees in the nest box again. Lori |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Grub
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Twin Cities, MN
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 | |
Great Horned Owl
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northeastern MA
|
![]() Quote:
__________________
"Know thyself." Oracle at Delphi |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Tags |
birdhouse, building, hosp, house sparrow prevention, prevent |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|