Remove sparrow nest?

[CAK]

I have a new colony and had three pairs this year, two have fledged their young and the last pair has a only a single chick about 20 days old. I’ve been able to keep sparrows to a minimum through trapping but have one sparrow nest with babies about to fledge. I don’t want that. I don’t have a good setup to shoot the sparrows and my fence mounted trap hasn’t worked on this one. Should I remove the sparrow nest/young without concern that the male sparrow will do harm to the martin chick? Appreciate any thoughts.

[Matt F.]

HI CAK,
If it were me, I would not risk it. In my opinion your remaining 20-day-old baby will be safer if you leave the house sparrow nest alone.
That was a really good call on your part factoring in the potential male house sparrow rage from tearing out its nest.

[Ed Pace]

Are you able to plug the nest up at night while the male or female are in the nest.? Maybe a Dixie cup on a long pole or something of that nature.

[brent]

I'd leave it alone. Keep the martin chick safe would be my #1 goal.
Brent

[Martintown33]

Agree with the rest. Probably best not to risk it at this point..
Good luck,
Rob

[CAK]

Thank you all for the advice. I’ll take it. Would be difficult for me to plug the hole at night time but that’s a good thought too.If the martin chick fledges first those sparrows better watch out!

[Martintown33]

Good luck with the chick… and then the sparrows!
Rob