Hi From Wisconsin

Hi everyone! I have only been familiar with what House Sparrows do to Bluebirds for a couple of years. Thanks to Monty trying to educate people on that old forum, who argued non-stop FOR the sparrow, I had to study up on them.
I grew up with House Sparrows on my home farm and had them by the100s it seemed on our farm for 30 years. All I knew was they hung around where cattle were fed eating the grain and crapping on everything. We would shoot a few occassionally , but never made a dent in their population.
Now we live in 15 acres of woods where I discovered Bluebirds nest naturally in tree cavities. Imagine my excitement the first time I saw four fledglings on a branch! So far there are no HOSPs here, but they are on a farm 1/8 mile away so I am keeping my eyes open. I do not feed mixed birdfeed to attract them.
Can we talk about Starlings here? Another bird that congregates on farms and around feed mills just like the Sparrow. Last year we eliminated the Starling family that tried to set up a home here in an old woodpecker hole. Shortly after that I saw another one flying out of our woods in the direction of the farm, so our battle is on!
I'm glad to be on this forum and hope to learn alot.

Pat
WC WI

Welcome to the squad! You are a perfect example of our mission- to raise awareness and educate the public. Thanks to monty you were led to discover the problem and by coming here you obviously found it!

It sounds like you are quite familiar with these pests and we are glad to have you. Not only are you free to discuss starlings but you can talk about controlling any pests that interest you without fear of being attacked for your views. I am a nuisance wildlife control operator and should be able to help with most of your pest and invasive problems.

Hi Pat!

Glad you made it. You're gonna love it here, as much as the rest of us do. For any who've seen the movie Braveheart, and remember the end where he yells, "FREEDOM!" That's how we feel. We're elated to speak freely. Oh, I'm sure we're gonna get a few flustered feathers now and then, that's to be expected. But at least we won't have the out and out battles we used to.

I have all but begged people to come and debate me on the site to no avail, I imagine if feathers get ruffled it will be sort and sweet.

Welcome Pat!

Monty, you, and myself really had to fight some major battles on the "other site" in the last 2 years. I really feel it was worth it! I know you feel just as considered about our native birds, i.e. Bluebirds, as I do.

Ryan, I think it is funny that no one has challenged you on the "other site". Hmmm....what's up with that?

Again....Pat, I'm glad you are here!

I have my theories about that Jean, but it wouldn't be professional of me to express them