Ray, this is exactly what I was thinking since it's been majorly a mild winter. The bluebirds especially caught a good break. Hoping the hunt on HOSP continues and more bluebirds fledge this year. Also hoping that a sudden cold snap doesn't hit this spring! Good luck, it's almost nesting time!! ~ Tim ~

Well, I counted a dozen bluebirds at one time on a power line outside my front porch. It must have been two broods of the same parents or something. I see them daily even in winter (at least one of them). If there's a decline of bluebirds, I'd say it's a pesticide matter, since they're insectivores.

fairychick asked: How do I know for sure that it's a "HOSP"? There are about 10 species of sparrows around here. They aren't all killers are they? ABSOLUTELY NOT. There are many native sparrows (protected by federal law) which do no harm to other birds. I don't think any of them will use nestboxes to raise their young. House sparrows, technically, are not even sparrows; that is a "common name" given to the imported, invasive Passer domesticus, actually a type of finch. Notice the finch-like beak, unlike the native sparrows thinner beak. That finch beak is what gives them their ability to kill other birds in a nestbox. Visit this web site, where you can find an enormous amount of useful info. http://www.sialis.org/index.html and click on House Sparrow Control. You will find many pictures and descriptions of male and female HOSP (as well as comparison pics of other brown birds), their eggs and nests, recordings of their song, etc. You will also find many techniques for humanely controlling HOSP and protecting the native cavity nesters. READ READ READ. BlueBars Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/index.html

HI, we are looking for about 8 AF blooming plants for my Mother-in-Laws funeral on Tuesday in Auckland, does any one know where I could buy some nice ones please. Thanks