Carol DM
I have talked before about how the cute little sparrows will kill the bluebirds. I will not post any of the damage they have done over the years to my backyard bluebirds. But I will show you how they build right over the bluebird nest. I call it a rat nest.
These sparrows (in the blue birding world) are called rat birds. They are actual predators to the bluebirds. It is legal to kill them. I do not but I do scare them way every day. I never would have thought a little sparrow could be so vicious. The bluebirds started building a nest yesterday, I shared a post with you. This morning I go out to check and the house is full of a rat nest. I removed it and this time I took a photo. I wanted you to see what I mean. A funny sidenote. As I was removing the nest, the sparrow was in the nest and when it flew, it scared both of us. I almost dropped the nest! If you could see the nest closer, you would see they get anything they can find to make their nest. Trash, sticks, whatever. The bluebirds use pine straw only and their nest is very neat. And they will not build unless the house is clean. Anyway, probably too much information for most of you. But when the bluebirds come around, I spend my days cleaning out the rat nests, several times a day. They will finally give up and go away. The bluebirds also have to help by chasing them. And they are doing just that. So wish us all good luck. I love my Bluebirds of Happiness!
Photo ©CarolDM2018
I am continuing with the 365 Photos Challenge and I am now on Day 136.
One woman’s rat nest is another man’s modern art…
Ha! Anyone is welcome to taking this “art” away. Sooo frustrated. Still battling with these rat birds. 🙁
Pretty sure I saw it in a new york art gallery for five figures…
Ha.. that sounds about right in NY.
it’s like the emperor’s new clothes over there
Well done to you, Carol, chasing those pesky sparrowrats away. I’m glad to hear it’s going well, and good luck with with efforts 🙂
Thanks Norman, it is still an ongoing battle but I will not give up!
We don’t have Blue birds in New Zealand but there are a few birds who will kill Sparrows, The Mynas and Roseallas. Not to mention the predator bird, the New Zealand Harrier Hawk.
Im pleased you act to save the Bluebird nests
The Bluebirds look beautiful.
We need more birds to kill them. The hawks do but they rarely come in the yard. I will fight for the bluebirds!
Wow, that is so sad that they do that!! I once liked sparrows, but now I’ve changed my mind…thank you for sharing.
Yes Courtney, same here, I never knew that about the sparrows but I witness it every year in my backyard.
I am sorry to hear that they are doing it. It’s especially sad when there are people like you who provide food and the right enviornment for all the birds to live in peace. On the other hand, I can’t really blame them because that’s their nature, sadly. Life can be cruel. We, people, can do a much bigger damage than them. However, I am happy to hear that you use peaceful ways to protect the bluebirds.
Ellie, It happens every year, some years are worse than others. And I knew the situation that I was dealing with wild birds and nature when I got into it, but it brings such joy to see the baby bluebirds, it is worth it. Absolutely life can be cruel. There are bullies even in the animal kingdom. Thank you.
I can imagine how tough it can be for you to witness that. You are doing a great job at protecting the birds!
Thank you Ellie, it is all worth it. I have seen some dreadful things, but also some miracles, I have seen the babies hatch from the eggs!
I’m so sorry it’s happening. Please protect your throat.
It happens every year, just part of nature. Thank you.
I’m a little confused by what you mean by predators, do sparrows prey on bluebirds or evict them with that rat’s nest?
Yes sparrows prey on bluebirds. They will kill them, and build a nest righto in top of them, and do the same if there are babies. If they don’t kill them, they try to evict them. That is where I come in. I have to check it multiple times a day to get this stuff out.
Can you imagine in the wild where there is no “landlord” like myself to help these birds. Many are killed.
Tsk… tsk… tsk… Those little sparrows can be so dangerous for bluebirds…
Yes and a pain in my side! But it is the same as in life. There are bullies everywhere.
Yeah! That’s life as it is…
Bluebirds are such lovely little birds. I love them.
Yes I do too, thanks!
you have taken a very nice picture
Thank you Toshia, appreciate the comment.
…but there is nothing nice about the sparrows. 🙁
Both photos loaded properly, great job Virily!