-->>>>>>> Next Section <<<<<<< Content-Type: Text/Plain; charset=US-ASCII Abbie: Have you seen the bluebird house design that models from a hollow branch? Its log, low and has a partial baffle near the rear behind which nests are build. Most predators can't get to eggs or very young birds. Jack Leighty Huntingtown >From: Dovekie7@aol.com >Date: 7/15/99 11:01:06AM >To: mdosprey@ARI.Net >Subject: Re: [MDOsprey] Chipping sparrow ups and downs > >[I went and checked the nest and found two >near-fledging chicks dead. The closest one had a large hole pecked >in >the side of it's head.] > > >Hello Bonnie, >It is extremely disheartening when eggs or young are damaged. >Bluebirds and >Wrens have nested on my property in boxes for over 10 years. I have >observed >the destruction of eggs and young by House Sparrows. House Sparrows >attack by >getting on the back of adult and young and peck and rip at the >head. Eggs >have been damaged by House Sparrows and House and Carolina Wrens. >Right now, I am trying to protect the second nesting of Bluebirds. >The first >batch of 5 eggs were all destroyed by House Sparrows. The second >nesting >produced only 3 eggs which are now hatched. >It is not unusual for the second attempt of nesting by Bluebirds to >have less >eggs. >The young Bluebirds will be banded this year and I will be able to >see if the >young return here to nest next year. > >Abbie/Bowie > >