Subject: Nesting nuthatches and starlings
Date: Apr 22 22:53:46 1998
From: Jack Castro and Sharon Pang - castro.pang at worldnet.att.net


Hello all,

I have a pair of nuthatches building a nest in a birdbox in my yard. Several feet up the same tree trunk I have a flicker house that has attracted the attention of an aggressive starling. The nuthatches have been clearing and building their nest for about 11 days. Three days ago the starling moved into and began to clear out the flicker house. I am concerned because I have seen the starling several times land on the nuthatch house and try to poke its head into it. The hole is a standard chickadee sized hole. I am worried that the starling may be able to grab and eat any fledglings, not to mention mom or pop if they are in the house.

Do starlings try to eat other birds? Or is this starling just curious? I am afraid it may scare away the nuthatches. Is there anyway to scare the starling away? If I spray it with the hose will that deter it or will it just come back later? Will my attempts to scare the starling end up scaring the nuthatches away too?

Thanks for any advice.


Jack