Tweeters,

We have observed House Sparrows leaving our new swallow nest box with the
special diamond-shaped opening that is SUPPOSED to keep them out. I just
checked, found nesting material inside, and removed it.

We installed the box early this year on the front of our garage, after we
repaired the vent screen there where VG Swallows nested last year (we want
the swallows to nest, just not inside the building).

Swallows have been around investigating for several weeks, but the sparrows
are preventing their nesting. I understand this is common. But this box was
supposed to be sparrow-proof. Argh.

Any suggestions for reducing the opening enough that sparrows can't get in,
but swallows can?

We eliminated SIX birdhouses left by the former owners, all of which hosted
HOSPs, so they are definitely under pressure to find more nesting opps.
Should we install a second and third box? But we also don't want ANY HOSPs
nesting.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Kristi Hein
Anacortes
khc
--at-------------------
picturesandwords.com