I'm new here, have questions

[Martintown33]

Hi faith. Being a Martin landlord will bring you hours of enjoyment. But the sparrows will eventually bring you heartache. Scaring them away will not deter them. They will never give up and will continue to return and nest in your house, and Eventually, do something terrible to your martins. Killing the sparrows isn’t easy, and I understand you don’t want to do it, but it’s the only way to protect your martins. A lot on here didn’t want to do it, until they faced their first tragedy from a HOSP attack.. I wish you the best of luck..
Rob

[Faith]

Thanks Rob, I'll definitely keep you posted!

[Conrad Baker]

Faith,
I might have missed it, but what type of PM houses do you have?? Is it the plastic S&K houses or something else?

[Unk Bond]

Hello Faith
A sparrow or at leats my sparrows here
Make a Big round cacoon type nest with a little hole entrance

Where as my Martins make a flat nest with a few green leaves laying on top of the flat nest

Later Unk

[Faith]

Faith,
I might have missed it, but what type of PM houses do you have?? Is it the plastic S&K houses or something else?

Hi Conrad,

I have the plastic S&K (or similar brand) PM house, or condo.

[Faith]

Hello Faith
A sparrow or leats my sparrows here
Make a Big round cacoon type nest with a little hole entrance

Where as my Martins make a flat nest with a few green leaves laying on top of the flat nest

Later Unk

Thanks Unk, I see that the previously blocked up compartment now has the little hole in it. It’s good to be able to identify the differences in nests for when we decide to remove them. I’m reluctant to remove the HOSP’s nest now because I don’t want them to take revenge on my PMs. It doesn’t mean I won’t change my mind as I continue to learn. I appreciate your help, thanks again.

[Conrad Baker]

Faith, I also have the S&K plastic houses. When I put them up for the bird's arrival, I have the houses so the end of the house is facing my back door. That way I have a visual of both entry sides of the housing. This way no matter what cavity opening the sparrow is trying to access, I have a clear shot at them with my pellet rifle. If you put the houses up so you can only see one side, the other side is safe for the sparrows to gain access. If you have the tri-tel poles, just rotate the pole 1/3 turn in the base sleeve in the ground and that will have the side of the house facing you. I wouldn't do it until next year because if you do it now, it would confuse the Martins and they might not know which nest is theirs.