Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:01:45 -0700
Reply-To: cmmbirds@yahoo.com
Sender: Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: Charlie <cmmbirds@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Tough Decisions on yard Birds
In-Reply-To: <063020081802.10573.48691FCA000E95760000294D22230647629B0A02D2089B9A019C04040A0DBF9C02019B970E049C@att.net>
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Actually, removing a House Wren (HOWR) nest is against federal law. It is illegal to harm the nest of any native species without a special "take" permit - which is usually reserved for people who do conservation work (such as with Kirtland's Warblers) or agricultural interests who can demonstrate a financial loss. A recent exception to this is the control of cormorants in the great lakes region over percieved threats to the fishing industry.
But I digress!
House Wrens are a really neat species, which does not enjoy the strong following that bluebirds traditionally have had. If you'd like to have both, try putting up a second box about 20-30 feet away. Generally bluebirds will not tolerate another pair that close, but will allow other cavity nesters (chickadees, titmice, etc) in that range. I imagine that it is the same with HOWR.
I used to manage a 64-box bluebird trail in Maryland. During that time I belonged to the 2 bluebird "societies". I learned then that there are a number of people who are, how shall we say it, STRONGLY interested in their bluebirds! And yes, some of them do remove the nests of native species, which I think to be very unfortunate.
Charlie Muise
Lamar County
--- On Mon, 6/30/08, slaytons@BELLSOUTH.NET <slaytons@BELLSOUTH.NET> wrote:
> From: slaytons@BELLSOUTH.NET <slaytons@BELLSOUTH.NET>
> Subject: [GABO-L] Tough Decisions on yard Birds
> To: GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
> Date: Monday, June 30, 2008, 2:02 PM
> I've been noticing a different sound in my backyard that
> I haven't heard in a long time. This morning I found out
> what it was. A House Wren was busy building a nest in my
> Backyard Bluebird Box. I could see all the action just a
> few feet away from my window. Out of nowhere, a Male
> Bluebird comes up and starts to protect the Box. The
> Bluebirds have some eggs in the Front Yard Box. I know that
> the House Wren is one of the Bluebirds biggest competitors.
> I've been told by Bluebird Experts to take the Wrens
> nest out and leave the box open for the Bluebirds.
> That's exactly what I did. But I really enjoyed seeing
> the Little House Wrens. I figured I would give it a few
> days and if the Bluebirds didn't claim the box, I will
> let the House Wrens go ahead and build. Has anyone else had
> a similar situation. Chickadees have nested in the box
> before. Bluebirds only once. It's close to the feeders
> and the Bluebirds have to fight off predators. But I really
> got some good pictures that year of!
> the Bluebirds. Does anyone have any thoughts to share on
> this matter?
>
> Good Birding & have a blessed day
> Steve Slayton
> Lawrenceville
> Gwinnett County
> USA
>
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