Birding/HOSP nest removal

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/11/2009


Question
Hi Bob.  I'm very new at bluebirding.  I have 5 nestboxes.  3 remain empty.  2
have had HOSP nests in them.  I have removed the nests and eggs.  I do feel
discouraged.  Should I remove/plug the 2 nestboxes the HOSP have claimed,
or trap the HOSP? I live in Altus, OK.  How long does it usually take to get a
BB family?  My houses are in good areas, according to guidance I've followed
from Bluebirding websites, and from the book The Bluebird Monitor's Book.  I
need some advice.  There is a BB Trail in Lawton.  Do you know those folks?  
I'm trying to reach them too for some help.   Thank you so much.

Answer
You have to be very proactive with house sparrows including trapping and killing them in February as they nest earlier than Bluebirds. Also just taking nests and eggs out is seen as competition and just encourages them. When a male claims a nest and places grass in it, and especially when a female starts a nest you need to trap them and eliminate them. It is a yearly task as they come in from other areas even after you have created an oasis by trapping them.
 
I don't know the Lawton people - put a note in one of their boxes to call you. And send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net for my free 20 page Bluebird book. It is much more specific about dealing with house sparrows. See page 19 for trap contacts.

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Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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