HOWR

[Sassy]

I have been battling a HOWR for days. I removed the sticks it continues to place in the BB box. Even tried leaving the front of the BB box open for a day, but each day I go out the same scenario takes place. No BB’s in the box but I had one checking it out and that was how I discovered the dozen sticks. Of course the BB left and I have not seen it again. Any advice would be appreciated. I am BB lonely.
Connie

[dogsandbirds]

You’re going to have to make the HOWR give up the cause and it might take as much as a week or so. I blocked the entrances to my boxes. Nobody desirable can use them but then the HOWR can’t either. Also try to make sure there are no other cavity nesting possibilities in the area if you can.

EABL seem to know sticks mean HOWR and wisely reject a box when they see them.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[Sassy]

Hi Gin:
Thanks for getting back to me so soon. I will take your advice and plug the holes in all the boxes I have, BB and otherwise except the one that has Chickadees in it.
I hope this helps and maybe a pair of BB will take up residence after I succeed and at getting rid of HOWR.
Connie
Clarion, PA

[dogsandbirds]

You have dees? At what nesting stage? They will accept a wren guard. The best time is during egg laying but with HOWR around it’s worth a try at any time. It has to be removed at 11-12 days for fledging.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[Sassy]

Hi Gin:
I had dees in a box that was intended for smaller birds, but they either all fledged or that nasty HOWR got to them.
I covered all the entrances to all the boxes but the one that had the dees. At this point I am assuming the dees are gone, since I have not seen any activity there for a few days. Today I saw a beautiful BB land on the top of the BB house twice but there was no way he could try to take up residence. I have not seen the HOWR today at all. I am hoping I have solved that problem and that another or the same BB returns. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks,
Connie

[Author]

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