I don't know this one - the melody is familiar but not the lyrics. How charming! I love to watch the old version of The Secret Garden about February when I am just so tired of winter. And reading the book is even better - it's an annual read for me. The descriptions of the emerging life and the joy in that garden always make me feel incredibly happy. I love the lyrics on this - who needs latin names, there are times when the old fashioned ones just fit don't they? Smile.

It is just tragic that these birds were introduced into this country. I have always had to trap a few in early spring with in-box traps, but this year has been horrible. I've never had success with a repeating ground trap in previous years, and I would only seem to catch native species (like Song Sparrows)so I would put it away. I don't have any other native sparrows this winter, and am being over run with HOSP. So the ground trap is set up daily and so far I've caught five of them, with many more to go. I do wish commercial establishments and people would stop giving them places to nest and breed. I'm sure most people do not understand how devastating they are to our native cavity nesters.

Caye61542, so so sorry that you lost your baby blues from those nasty HOSP's. Never never let them nest in your bird houses. Always put up a sparrow spooker after 1st egg has been laid by bluebirds or any others that may nest with you. If you're not familiar with spooker, there is plenty of info online. Most people make theirs, but I bought mine. Make sure you remove it after babies fledge, so HOSP's don't get accustomed to it. They are really effective, but not always. The other thing that's critical when you have a HOSP problem is to get a Van Ert Trap installed inside your bluebird house (can order online & very easy to install). You can only use this when no birds are nesting. It can be removed during this time. What happens is when the HOSP enters, it sets the trap off & covers up the hole. Then, you have to get a big bag (I have large laundry bag with drawstring so I can see the bird & make sure it was a HOSP that I caught) & put all the way around house & open door for HOSP to escape. They will come out quickly, so make sure they don't escape. It's key to monitor hourly when you use this trap because you could trap bluebirds or other native birds as well & don't want them to die in box. You will then need to dispose of HOSP & try to trap the mate as well. I know some people don't want to dispose of them, but how else are you going to keep them from killing your bluebirds? There are humane ways to do it. The Sialis site outlines the entire process for you & gives other tips on how to control HOSP's. It's a personal choice, but definitely invest in a sparrow spooker. People that have serious HOSP problems trap multiples in a repeating trap that they use a decoy & millet to get them trapped. I'd be getting rid of that nasty HOSP that killed your babies! Best of luck! Nicole

Thanks, Karen, for the excellent site. Wow! I had no idea that sparrows were so predatory! For now, we put a piece of duct tape over the hole. I noticed the sparrows hanging around and on top of it. Hopefully, they will go elsewhere. Is it actually possible to drive them from the property permanently? I'm wondering if the nesting box is even a good place for bluebirds. It's close to our house - will that deter them? There are shrubs around it which may attract the sparrows. I have a lot to learn about bluebirds and the SIALIS site is a good place to start.