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I am seeking guidance on nuisance birds that are bothering the bluebirds in our yard. Luckily I was able to capture footage of the birds fighting at the birdbath. See attached 3 screenshots.
Comparing the photos against bird databases, it appears these nuisance birds are song sparrows not house sparrows. Is this correct or is it some other type of bird? All the articles I have read only mention house sparrows being aggressive towards bluebirds. No luck finding articles or information on how to protect bluebirds against song sparrows.
I would appreciate any advice or guidance on how best to proceed. The bluebirds have started to build their nest in their regular birdhouse. However, seeing the conflict at the birdbath makes me very concerned for the bluebirds safety and ability to successfully have a viable clutch. So far my husband has installed a sparrow spooker on the birdhouse. The bluebirds love to perch on it and use it as a lookout.
All the other birds get along well in our yard – bluebirds, cardinals, yellow-rumped warblers, juncos, Carolina wrens, chickadees, pine warblers, cedar waxwings. However, these song sparrows are disturbing the peace and harassing the bluebirds.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Evangeline in Northern Neck, VASorry my photos didn’t come through. I’ve been trying for hours to figure out how but haven’t had any luck. I read through the “posting tips” multiple times. This is beyond my capabilities. Bummer – I really need to help my bluebirds.
Hi Evangeline,
I would be more concerned if the conflict was taking place at the nest box. As a rule song sparrows are not known to be a enemy of the bluebirds as they are not cavity nesting birds and don’t have to compete with them for a nest site. I would try moving the bird bath to a different location and see if that helps. There’s not much else you can do other than that. Having the sparrow spooker on the top of the nest box will definitely help protect the bluebirds from their worst enemy – the house sparrow. Good luck.
Dana in Lancaster, PA
Hi Dana,
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Yes, my husband and I were quite shocked to see footage of the song sparrows being aggressive towards the bluebirds. We set up a camera at the birdbath. At first we thought it was a fluke. However, it has happened multiple times over the last couple of months. I wish I could link the 3 photos for everyone to see.
I appreciate your thoughtful reply. The birdbath is now moved to the other side of our house. Fingers crossed that will resolve or at least minimise the fights.
I checked the blue bird house today – 5 eggs! So exciting!
Many thanks again,
EvangelineEvangeline, here is a tutorial that I posted back in 2023 about using “imjur” to poste photos.
Hope this helps.
BTW good to see another Virginian in the group. I am in Stafford, VA_________________________________________________________
This procedure will help you post photos from your phone to this forum.
I am assuming that you have your photos on your phone.Download and install the imjur mobile app to your phone. Upload your photos to imjur.
Prepare your post in the forum. DO NOT CLOSE!
1. Open the imjur app. From the homepage, tap the “contact” icon in the bottom right corner (circle and oval) This should take you to your photos.
2. Tap photo to post.
3. Tap “share” or the share arrow in the lower right corner.
4. Click “Copy Link”.
5. Go back to the forum and paste your link. You will not see the photo here.
6. When you finish your post, tap “submit+.
You will see your post and photo in the thread above.David
Stafford, VAPhoto 1
Photo 2
Editing to say I have no idea why this third and last photo isn’t showing on my end when I click submit. Oh well, 2 out of 3 is better than nothing.
Big thanks to David for providing instructions. Much appreciated.
Photo 3
https://imgur.com/inXNMnCGlad to help.
It looks like a swamp or marsh sparrow. I do not have a good reference chart though,David
Stafford, VAI’ll study that photo and see if I can ID it. But you’re right it isn’t a House Sparrow. I agree with Dana. It would be much scarier if they were competing for a nestbox. There’s nothing more you can do about this behavior. Usually the behavior stops at some point. I’ve had mockingbirds that have been aggressive. Usually it’s over a food source like my feeder.
Tammy
Hello All,
Just in case you were interested in an update, all is fine now that the birdbath has been relocated. No more confrontations that we have observed. Thank you all for your help and advice. I really appreciate it!
Also, as of 6:00 am this morning, 4 of the 5 eggs hatched. Yay! Hoping the 5th will hatch by tomorrow.
Until next time,
Evangeline in Northern Neck, VA
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