Usually the sparrows are problems for martins. They build on top of martin nests, peck martin eggs, and kill the young. It is safe to get rid of the sparrows at any time. As far as disposing of nests and eggs of sparrow, I would suggest doing this only prior to egg laying by the martins. Sparrows are vindictive and will destroy martin eggs and young if you disturb the nest after martins lay eggs. Cheers, Kathy Klimkiewicz ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Question on Martins and Sparrows Author: mdosprey@ARI.Net at NBS-Internet-Gateway Date: 5/14/98 1:54 PM All: Does anyone know much about the interaction of purple martins and house sparrows? There are a couple of very active martin houses down in Solomons near the sailing club and I've noticed two years in a row that there seem to be a lot of both birds early and then later in the Spring, there are only martins. I'm only there on weekends now and then so I don't have any continuous observations to tell me whether the sparrows just move out or whether the martins drive them out. This question has taken on a more personal relevance this week since I have one pair of martins that have filled up 3 holes in the 12 hole house in my backyard in Adelphi and two days ago, some sparrows started landing and look to be staking a claim to some of the holes. The martins are still around but seem to have moved arond to the other side of the house. I'd like to disposses the sparrows but don't want to upset the martins. Any suggestions? Thanx in advance. Hutch Carl Hutchinson Adelphi, MD coolspring@hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com