Velvet, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't always agreed with your advice and I think you and I exchanged some 'words' once, but it never crossed my mind to doubt that you had suffered a terrible loss or to criticise or mudsling. I know that some people in these forums will do that occasionally but I always know I can come here for help and sincere sympathy from the good people who post here. You are so well known in the forums you cannot help but find caring and empathetic words here. I am so truely sorry for your loss. Cheryl

Spelt is large-seeded and well protected from most seed eaters while growning. The seed is tightly wrapped inside the glumes. Hard to thresh free of the covering for both you and other seed eaters. I don't know how well this grain will self-seed because the grain head doesn't "shatter" and scatter seed. Birds and rodent have an longer time to feast on the seeds. You might have better luck saving seed, starting them inside and later transplanting out when soil warms.

Lisa11310, I understand what you are saying. It was really hard to do what I did and a few years ago I would have never done such a thing. Once I started birdwatching, I became more and more interested in every species .. Now I am in absolute love with my bluebirds, chickadees, swallows, and titmouses.. not mentioning several others. Nothing in this world gives me more joy to provide an environment for these beautiful birds. After seeing pictures and then seeing first hand what destruction this aggressive species has done to the birds that I love and adore, I promised I would do everything in my power to protect them. I'm not a bad person. I love animals and the thought of anyone doing cruel acts to them just makes me sick. If there wasn't people protecting this species, I'd hate to even imagine where the bluebirds would be.. Thanks to everyone else in letting me know your current nesting status... It makes me feel better to hear some haven't had any birds building their nests yet.. there are two pairs at a time in my backyard just looking around but nothing so far.. I still have my trap and am actively monitoring it.. Good news is I just got my mealworms! very excited to get them out there tomorrow!

I would go ahead and set the trap if they have an active nest. I would set it immediately after work and keep it going until both are caught. I would even leave it set during work, if I had too. I forgot I had set a trap once and went to work all day. I noticed it was sprung when I got home. So I put the mesh bag over the box and slowly opened to door, I saw a small bird laying on its back with its feet in the air. I thought it was dead and opened the door all the way to determine the species. It was a male HOSP and he quickly awoke and tried to escape. I barely caught him. I dont think temperatures are that hot yet so I wouldn't worry about one dieing in the box. I don't think a native would go in an active nest anyhow. I know some in the purple martin community believe in "sparrow revenge" or "sparrow rage", which occurs when a HOSP nest are often disturbed. The HOSP becomes frustrated and destroys the nests of other cavity nesters. So they recommend trapping or shooting rather than disturbing the nest. They are also confident that natives wont enter a HOSP nest, some routinely use glue traps in the nests. You could still remove a native if you had too.