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  1 0 Starlings most likely. They are tenacious, very flexible hole nesters, and often take advantage of those kinds of eave vent holes where they can exploit failing mesh that is meant to stop this kind of activity. Starlings are not a protected bird (non-native species), have been the entity that have almost driven the bluebird species in this country to extinction by aggressively taking over natural cavities used by those birds. Only by planned and careful erection of nest box lines posted all over this country in the right environments have the bluebirds made a comeback. Bluebird boxes are designed with a hole diameter that specifically suits bluebirds but are not conducive for starling use. In the wild, holes in natural hollowed cavities (from previous woodpecker use, etc.) are often wider or widen with use and so don't present this kind of exclusion effect. Starlings in this country date back to the late 1800s where an original eight pairs where released in Central Park in New York by a literature nut that wanted to see all of the birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays to be native to this country. It has been one of the most damaging intentional introductions of non-native wildlife to this country. Russ Campbell, NWEBS answered in Whatever about 1 year ago | Report 5 comments by afborwick, Russ Campbell, NWEBS, and afborwick… 1 0 Wow! Thanks for the great info. Any idea when they might be ready to move on (or how I can help them move on?) afborwick commented about 1 year ago | Report 1 0 Literature appears to indicate that about 60% of the time a second brood is attempted. You should also be aware that the same cavity site could be utilized by a later nesting couple instead of the same pair. Wait and observe to see when the young have fledged and then block access to the site. Being a non-protected species means that you can eliminate the nest and young as long as it is done humanely, but of course, the most humane thing to do is wait and then lock off the site. I don't mean to imply the species doesn't also have good environmental effects also as they are voracious eaters of insects and grubs. The damage has come in the alteration of the population of the natural species of birds they have displaced and out competed over the some 100 plus year history of their spread across this continent. This site will tell you what you may want to know and also you need to confirm the identity of the species. http://www.sialis.org/starlingbio.htm Interesting to note that this site is primarily about the preservation and encouragement of effective nesting of the bluebird species. The page referenced above is part of covering the species that are the most detrimental to those birds. Russ Campbell, NWEBS commented about 1 year ago | Report 1 0 Just as you predicted, the birds have come back to nest a second time. However, I had a company come out & clean out the vent holes & cover them with hardware cloth. It sounds as though the birds are desperately trying to get in (and making as much noise as they did when they lived there the first time). Any idea of when they'll get the message & move on?? I sppreciate all your help with this... afborwick commented 11 months ago | Report 1 0 Inspect and keep the holes secure, they will work hard to break through as they are ready to use the great site they had before. Now you see the tenacity that caused so much damage to native species. Starlings have been known to combat, overtake and throw out other species (nest, eggs, hatched young, etc.) from a prime nesthole. They are pretty smart and will move on if they are spending too much energy to get in. But you may not be rid completely of them. They very well may opt for another site (the next best site) right nearby - where ever it may be found. So although you have eliminated them from the confines of your house structure itself you may continue to hear them from your open windows. They will want to stay nearby as they know the local environment, food and water sources, etc. Oh well, it is summer. P.S. Get a good look at the adult's plumage this time of year (mating season always brings out the best clothes). The feathers of starlings are legal to possess as they are not protected. Fly fisherman that tie their own flies love using some of those spotted feathers in their creations. Russ Campbell, NWEBS commented 11 months ago | Report 1 0 Thank you for the info Russ! They are unbelievably tenacious, its unreal!! I assume that the hardware cloth is strong enough to keep them out? It sure doesn't seem like it. They are flying all around the house as well. You know your Starling behavior, that's for sure. afborwick commented 11 months ago | Report Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  0 0 can you describe the nest? what is it made out of? is it hanging or is it on top of something? Have you seen the adults? what do they look like? Many birds will double or triple clutch so when these guys fledge in around 6 weeks or so you may just have to go though it all over again. Tom answered in Whatever about 1 year ago | Report 2 comments by afborwick and Tom… 0 0 They have nested in those little holes/vents underneath the roof of my house, so I have no idea what the nest looks like although there are little bits of what looks like grass poking out. The adults look dark to me. I do remember going through this last year and saying to myself; 'now when they leave, make sure I get someone up there to put chicken wire over the holes so I won't go through this again'. Oops. afborwick commented about 1 year ago | Report 0 0 I'd like to guess they're house wrens but they are probably song sparrows or, possibly, starlings. How big? Tom commented about 1 year ago | Report Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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