Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 4/30/2011

Question
Hi there, I live on a farm in apple orchard country in Massachusetts. I have had bluebirds nest in my BB house 2 years ago. As you may suspect there are many hosp on the farm. last year a house wren took residence in the house. i see the bb's around, but no nesting in the houses. just sparrows. I clean the houses weekly and have gone so far as to use the nail and fishing line thing, but they still set up housekeeping (the Hosps). I intend to add some more fishing line as i did leave out the swinging pieces that were suggested to avoid the birds pulling it into the house. what is your experience if any or what have you heard re; this technique?

Answer
Hi R.J. I have never subscribed to the passive school, as it doesn't work. Anything that you do to drive them away or to discourage them is seen as competition and pushes them to raid other nests and to kill other small cavity nesters and their young. I speak from 20 years of experience on a 100 box 5 mile line. The only thing to do if you wish to create an oasis for Bluebirds and other small cavity nesters is to trap and eliminate(kill)house sparrows. Do not relocate them as this is like moving a serial killer from your town to another.

If you will send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book. The address will be used only to mail the book.

I lived in Mass. for many years, earned my college degrees and held some key management positions in industry. Good luck! Bluebird Bob Walshaw.