Backyard Birding

If you set up nest boxes in your yard, it is highly recommended that you place them within reach so that they may be monitored easily. They require regularly monitoring for one simple reason: house sparrows.

Population declines of several native species are widely attributed to competition with house sparrows, which are not native to North America. Nest boxes for wrens, chickadees and other small song birds should have holes which are too small for the sparrow to enter. Kestrels, blue birds, woodpeckers and many other species are too large however, and sparrows will likely take up residence in the boxes you provide.

To monitor nest boxes, you need only a pen and notebook. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe your birds very closely, but it is essential to do the work quickly and quietly with minimal disturbance to the birds.

1. While waiting for birds to nest, check the box frequently. Learn to identify sparrow nests so that you can remove them if they begin to nest. Because they are an invasive species, it is legal to remove their nests, eggs, the young and even trap and destroy the adults if necessary.

2. Once a native bird has begun nesting, do not check the box in the morning. This is when birds lay their eggs. They are more likely to be searching for food in the afternoon, so it will be less stressful on the birds to check the nests at this time.

3. Once a bird has begun incubating, give her a few days before checking the nest. Observe the nest box from a distance. Watch for the parent birds to come and go, and make sure they are not being attacked by sparrows which can injure and even kill larger birds.

4. Once the nest is established, you can check it once or twice a week. Take notes and enjoy this glimpse into the natural world.

5. Remember not to check the nest in inclement weather which could bring harm to the baby birds. Also do not check the nest when the nestlings are close to fledging. This would increase their likelihood of leaving the nest prematurely.

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