Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/27/2009

Question
Last year was our first summer in our current home and there was a nest already above our front door. We left it there and we had a pair come and raise a few broods of babies.  The last two though, the babies were all pushed out of their nests or they jumped out. Maybe it was too hot.  Towards the end of the season, a pair started building a new nest but it never looked as big as the other one.

This spring we had a pair come and raised one baby.  On the other nest unfortunately a house sparrow built.  I had already evicted them from our bluebird house and attempted to trap them, but when they got near my barn swallow nest I was afraid if I messed with them that they would harm them, so I let it be.

This morning I noticed a dead HOSP in the nest. I cleaned out the dead bird and the nesting materials.

Should I destroy the nest?  Maybe there's something toxic in the nesting material?  I don't want to discourage another pair, but also don't want any more to die.  

Answer
I seriously doubt if there is something toxic in the nesting material. If the nest is empty you can either destroy it or leave it alone. If the birds want to use it they will or they will just build another one.
The mortality rate of eggs and young birds is very high; most people do not realize that. Of every 10 songbird eggs laid, only one lives to become an adult a year later. General rule, though, leave things be and let nature take its course as its usually the best thing. Thanks for your concern.