Whether we deserve it, or not, European house sparrows seem to love us. While most birds seek only the seed and other things we intentionally offer, house sparrows choose to live as close to us as possible, benefiting from unintentional offerings around our homes and eateries. As their name suggests, the European house sparrow is not native to the U.S. During 1890 and 1891, some hundred birds were brought over and released in New York, to … [Read more...]

Many people spend a ton of time and money trying to attract birds for the sheer enjoyment of watching and listening to them. Nonetheless, there are times when, for one reason or another, someone is looking for a way to get rid of birds. Round up the usual suspects—European starlings, house sparrows, crows, chimney swifts, and pigeons—not because they are “bad birds” but simply because there are circumstances that sometimes place us in conflict. … [Read more...]

How’d you wind up with a bird in house? And, what’s the fastest way to get her back out before she gets hurt? First, don’t panic. You’ll be able to get her safely back outside with the steps explained below. Afterward, see if the tips on ways to make a repeat situation less likely might be relevant for your home. What to do about a wild bird in your house… A bird will naturally fly toward light when trying to get out of an enclosed area, so … [Read more...]

Whether you love birds or barely notice them, you’re not expected to love them nesting in the various exhaust vents of your home, rustling and chattering at the crack of dawn. But that’s exactly where cavity-nesting birds often look to make their nests. House sparrows and starlings are both widespread and numerous, after having been brought to North America where they were misguidedly and purposefully released. Unlike most wild birds, these “vent … [Read more...]

Okay, don’t be embarrassed if you freaked out a little when that bird in your basement suddenly startled you, making you completely forget what you went down there for. Who expects a bird in their basement? But stay calm, and carry on with trying to remember what you meant to look for. You can safely do that first and attend to getting the bird out later, because not all birds are going to behave like those in the Hitchcock movie—well, none, … [Read more...]

House sparrows may sometimes take their name a little too much to heart. It sure seems so when they decide to nest not merely near your house, but wedged into vents, such as those for the stove, dryer, bath, or attic. Occasionally, they even fly into the living areas of a home through an open door, unscreened window, or uncapped chimney. Fortunately, there are effective ways to deal with house sparrows in your house. What to do when a … [Read more...]