I've just moved into a small cottage in Elkton. The previous owner was big
on gardening and backyard birding.  The gardening I will tackle over the
winter and through the next few years, but I have a question about her
nesting boxes.  There are four boxes and all four are chock filled with
nesting material.  One had easy access so I opened it and emptied out the
material.   It was filled with twigs, but there was also a small,
old nest...maybe Carolina Wrens.  My question is...do I open the other boxes
and clean out the nesting material. Or do I leave them alone.   I thought I
read somewhere that all boxes/feeding stations should be sanitized
periodically to prevent disease.
I'd appreciate some guidance.
thanks
maryanne dolan
elkton, md