BLUETIT BOX

[lidlicker]

Every year we have a blue tit taking up residence in our box with a camera and we see the eggs and the chicks and watch them fledge.
However, in the last week, we have a 'squatter' in our box ! a sparrow. Is this normal?
Can we expect her to make a nest and lay eggs? What would you do?

[tenrec]

It may just be sheltering from bad weather.

[shoota]

Put up another box.
Start a commune!

[pusskin]

We dont think its normal lidlicker.

This morning, we had 2 sparrows standing on the box, and hanging around.
They were trying to get in the entrance to the box but sparrows were too big.
i think your hole should be a bit smaller x

[lidlicker]

Thanks Pusskin, it was bought as a tit box - 25 mm hole. I thought perhaps it was an exceptionally small sparrow. I do hope she settles
and builds a nest and we see some eggs.

[ladybirder]

I would leave it alone. Sheltering from the weather would be my guess. They are not looking for nest sites at this time of year. How nice for you to be able to watch.

[pusskin]

You may be right, it must be quite a smaller sparrow that gets in the box if your measurements are correct. But hey, lovely to see sparrows getting out of the wind rain and cold. Must be great to be filming them.
make the sparrows welcome and enjoy filming them x

[chaptazbru]

What would I do ? I'd leave the sparrow alone and let her shelter in peace. Won't be nest building at this time of year anyway .......

[wildwood]

Indeed, it has to be a small one, maybe a young from last season. Once Spring comes around they put on some weight and shouldn't be able to fit through a 25mm hole.

We've had sparrows breed in everything you can think of. My parents had those ceramic flowerpots with a hole in the bottom, hanging with the top against the brick wall of the house.

Maybe you can put up another box or two with different sized holes. House sparrows are just interesting to watch as any other bird.