Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 3/25/2007

Question
I have just finished reading your response to the folks from Crossville, TN that moved to St. Augustine. I had been browsing the internet looking for some info on why we are having so much trouble with sparrows and seeking possible solutions to the problem. For several years now we have had no bluebirds because of the sparrows. We take their nasty nests out of the boxes frequently only to have them start building right back!
Also after many years of having lots of purple martins in our martin house, we had only a few last year and none this year. We have plenty of sparrows living there though.
I believe I now know the reason that we are missing our beloved "blues" and martins. How do you suggest getting rid of the "sparrows" in the martin house? We take it down, clean it out, and leave it down for the winter. As soon as we see martins and put it up, but it is invaded by the "enemy", who chase away any martin that dares to fly even close to the house.
We live in central Mississippi and have been guilty of putting the cheap birdseed out during the winter months. Is thistle ok to put out in a thistle feeder along with the sunflower seeds in another feeder? We have our 90 year old mother with us. We are doing everything we can to provide her with an interesting backyard and plenty of birdwatching.
Any suggestions or information that you can share with me concerning any of our problems will be tremendously appreciated.
Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Sally. Nests out no good. Must trap and kill. Ditto starlings - need martin house that will accept traps. If you will send a few stamps and a small donation to cover printing costs to Bluebird Bob at 26001 E 118th St. S., Coweta, OK 74429 I wlll send a 20 page booklet that will tell you what to do. Good Luck!

Also - Black oil sunflower seeds, thistle and suet blocks are the way to go.