Birding/mud sparrowa

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/9/2009


Question
QUESTION: How do I keep mud sparrows from making nests outside on my shutters and aluminum siding

ANSWER: I believe that you are talking about mud daubers, which is a kind of wasp. About all that you can do is to spray with Raid and watch for where they start nests.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: These are birds that build nests with mud and straw. They make a mess everywhere, how do I stop them.

Answer
I believe that these are Barn Swallows. I contacted my bird list of 450 members and most contacts envy you. Many have been trying to get them. They are beautiful birds that migrate all the way from South America, and they get tons of insects including mosquitos.

If nests have been built it is illegal to remove them. If thre are only a few areas you can screen them off before next spring. You can also use a power hose nozzle to wash off the mud as they start to build in the spring and they will go elsewhere. It is just a small mess and you can put cardboard down to catch the droppings. I wish I had them. We had them at home when I was growing up and I miss them.

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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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