So far I've gotten 5 males and 1 female... so proud! Unfortunately the female bb was looking at it.. hope she sticks with the nest she started. I'M SO EXCITED, the female bb just ate some of my homemade bluebird suet! I knew someone was getting it, but I just saw her eat several mouthfuls and take one large glob off with her... Freeze dried mealworms have been accepted just fine. I have some cool picture plans. Once I have them eating from the window feeder again, I'm planting pink geraniums in the planter for a beautiful background... this will make for some awesome pics! Sandra

But we're losing the point here. Sure killing HOSP isn't always easy but they're the equivalent of a rat. The only reason people feel no contempt killing things is if it's ugly or weird - otherwise you get the excuse "It looks so cute and harmless!" HOSP were not meant to be here. Our arrogant ancestors thought it would be a good idea to bring over a bird they knew nothing about other than the European immigrants were raised around these aggressive birds. (Which is where they are NATIVE) Point being, humans caused the problem, so it's our job as landlords of the natives to protect them and HUMANELY take out the deviant winged rats. And I know it may be easy on you Angie, but drowning is NOT humane. It takes some time for an organism's body to fill with water and suffocate it. Giving a hard wack against something strong is different. It's the same thing as a human jumping out of an airplane and landing on solid ground. As cruel as it is, it's usually instant death. Which means minimal suffering. I know I might enrage some but this is how I see it and as much as this is only my 5th season, I'm very knowledgeable.

Unfortunately I think it may already be too late for the TRES. They had their eggs taken out by most likely a HOWR or HOSP, although I did see the Blues on top of the house before I went out and found that the TRES eggs were gone; is it possible the Blues took out the TRES eggs? I am still trying as hard as possible to kill those Sparrows. Let me tell you, they have become so smart and sneaky! When I see them go into the house, I run out and cover it with a pillow case and stand out there for about 10 minutes shaking the box to get them to come out. I eventually give up, but I never even see them come out of the house anyways. I can't tell when they're in the house or out, and when I see them on the ground and get my pellet gun, they're gone in a flash. And I went out to get their eggs, but holy heck, they have the most ugly and messy nest I have ever seen from a HOSP. It doesn't even look like a nest, just a box crammed with junk. I don't even know if I can find the eggs in there. I will keep trying, and I won't give up till I succeed. Thanks for your help.

According to where you are, they could start nesting as early as March. They may already be shopping around. After the nest is built & 1st egg is laid (usually blue- if white with dark speckles, that's a HOSP egg), I put up a sparrow spooker & haven't had a problem with HOSP invasion yet (& they are EVERYWHERE). If the HOSP keep trying to set up shop, you'll need to set up a Van Ert trap inside the house. You can find these items online. If HOSP really become a problem, many people use ground traps & use a decoy & millet seed to attract others. There's a great site that explains it all (can't think of name right now, but should find it through Google.) Sounds like you have a good chance to get bluebirds to nest this year. Lastly, they may be looking for a place to roost at night if it's really cold where you are right now. Good luck!