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I have several nest boxes and two Sparrow terraces dotted about the place yet none have ever been used.
Two years ago the cottage was repointed and all the gaps under the eaves save one were filled in. The one left still had Sparrow chicks in it. Because there are so many Sparrows here I thought they would use the Sparrow terrace in future which was just inches from the remaing gap. But oh no, they would peer inside it and even do a sing and dance on the roof of it, but never nested in it. Last weekend I was looking at it and wondering why they never used it, when I saw a male Sparrow trying to get in, but he couldn't squeeze his fat little belly through the hole. I immediately volunteered OH to go up the ladder and make the holes bigger and hey presto, it worked. You could have knocked me down with a fevver.
Poor little things, they must have been trying to get in there for years.
In addition to my Sparrows, Blackbird and Jackdaws I have just found the bigginings of two nests behind tins of paint on the shelf in the garage and yes I do have nest boxes in the garage, which I guarantee will be ignored. Also in the garage is an old Swallows nest which the wren took over last year and hatched five chicks in. Someone is giving it a makeover at the moment. I do hope it's the Wren again. She has been here all year along with her five babies.
Birds are really busy here, just hope that darn Sparrowhawk slings his hook. Saw him again today.
Glad to hear your terraces are now desirable residences for the sparrows. Good Luck
Sarah
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bramble67/
I also wish you luck with your nursery. You were lucky to have the wren and her brood.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Today we have had to widen the entrance to a second blue tit box for the sparrows and they have been busily taking nesting material in all afternoon.
Hi Cottagegardener
The more I hear about what's going on in your garden, the more I love it. You have so much where you are, sounds really hopeful on your nestboxes and I wish you all the best with them. As for the Sparrowhawk, think of it as the supermarket shop, the only difference is that he/she knows what they're shopping for, whereas humans do like to peruse the goods and then make a selection. She's not doing any different other than catching her own food as opposed to having someone do it for them.
Hi Brenda, good news on your blue tit boxes, sparrows are just as good - how happy you must be.
:-)
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
What a fantastic sanctuary you have, they give us so much pleasure its worth all the effort. I believe your sparrows will nest now. Good luck
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
I couldn't agree more. You have a wonderful place for your birds - everything they could want and I congratulate you, and am just a teeny weeny bit envious!! (A lot envious actually).
Brenda - please keep us informed about your little sparrows. You know how I feel about them!