New home and opportunity

McKinney, TX(Zone 8a)

Just found the new Gardening for Wildlife forum. In February we moved into a new home with a wildlife setting though we are still in the city. We live in a residential area in a city of 100,000 people, but my lot is 250 feet deep leads to a small creek and treed area. On the other side of the creek is more residential, so the wildlife will never be extensive, but I want to do my best to make areas hospitible.

I have seen the Terminex guy in the neighborhood a few times, but our yard at least will be pesticide free.

I have seen lots of bunnies, Crawdads (not quite wildlife, but they are neat), frogs, a gorgeous lizard that was about 8 inches long, with green & orange. I am sure there are opossums back there somewhere and maybe even Armadillos. I have seen both in town close to creeks. Oh, and we have plenty of squirrels, but the dogs keep them in check. They are out there almost every morning when I let the dogs out eating birdseed off of the ground, but are promptly chased up a tree and out of the yard for the rest of the day.

The birdlife has been wonderful. I have seen many birds that I did not expect to see in the city. So far, at the feeders I have had Downy Woodpecker, Titmouse, Carolina Chickadees, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cardinals, Mourning Dove, Goldfinches, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Bluejays & the Dang House Sparrows. Also, in the woods, I have seen a Yellow rumped warbler, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wrens, some kind of flycatcher, the Bluebird, Red Winged blackbirds (flying overhead), lots of cranes far overhead (we must be on their route). The Barn Swallows are a favorite to watch each evening right before dusk. They come out and fly across the sky and yard, swooping down across the grass and over the fence. I have just recently relaxed enough to actually lay in my new hammock and watch so I am sure there will be more sightings to come.

I want to put up bathouses and owl houses. I would like to also add other bird houses here and there. I put out the Dog's hair for the birds last time I brushed him. I have one bird bath, but want to add one hanging one to the trees. There is a brushpile across the creek on the neighbors side and I have seen the birds darting in and out. I plan on finding a good place for one on our side.

The first feeder I put up was my peanut feeder and the Downy, Chickadees and Titmouse came right away. A couple days later, I put up a finch sock and would have over 10 goldfinch on it or waiting at a time. They have moved on though. I then put up a feeder with Safflower and Sunflower. And one with a White Millet and Sunflower Chip. The chickadees still seem to like the peanut feeder as much as they do to the Black Sunflower seed.

I read the Habitat Brush Pile thread and I am glad that I am not the only person that is struggling with "dispatching" the house sparrows. We have a family living under our eaves where a gap has formed that has access to our attic. I have asked my husband to take care of it, but he has not. His cousin came over to do work on our house and said he would fix the opening after the bird moved on. I was hoping he would dispose of them, but he would not. Since we are in the city, we will probably never completely rid ourselves of them, but I want to do my best. I keep thinking that need to be removed, because they are so destructive, but that feeling of "the are god's creatures" creeps in and I don't think I can do it. They seem to stay at the front of the house near the street, but I do have a white millet mix out for the doves in the back so they are coming back to eat. I spray them with the hose or throw my shoe at them if I see them. I also have visions of getting a bb gun, but don't think I could actually hurt them. Wish me goodluck, because I know it has to be done.

On big reason I really need to get rid of them is that I actually had bluebirds visit in March! Mr. Bluebird hung out all day, even singing on my fence. I want to put up boxes before next spring, but am fearful that I will just set any eggs them up for certain death.

Anyway, if you made it all the way through this, you are amazingly patient. I do look forward to frequenting this forum and I hope to learn.


This message was edited Jul 12, 2006 2:14 PM

NW Qtr, AR(Zone 6a)

Ahhh, sweezel ..

Sounds like a most wonderful place!! And an excellent 'active' habitat already. No doubt, you're 'set up' well ...

I agree and understand about the intrusive sparrows. The only thing is .. if you don't rid yourselves of them while they're in a relatively small family unit - it will prove far more difficult, later on.

It's purtee much like putting-off taking out the garbage; it's only gonna get worse, if ya don't take care of the matter soon. Haven't meant to run-on so .. (lol)

Ya got any pics posted anywhere, of your new home & property? Anxious to see, ya know! .. I'll be tryin' to keep my eyes peeled for pics ..

My best to you guys, your new abode, and your lil piece of nature ...

((huggerooners))

- Magpye

This message was edited May 26, 2006 10:06 AM

McKinney, TX(Zone 8a)

Thanks Mags. I am really enjoying all of the birds. I was so excited when I saw the Grosbeak. I had never seen one before and to have one in my backyard!! I realized I forgot two birds in my list - Bluejays and Hummingbirds. I have a Hummingbird feeder that barely empties before I clean it out every five days, but I know I have at least one hummingbird. I have seen her quite a few times on the feeder.

I have been reading about traps for the sparrows today and calling local stores about purchasing one. The local Wildbirds unlimited has a trap, but it's $59! Not sure of my plan of action yet, but I am working on it.

I have quite a few scattered pictures scattered here and there. There are pics in my diary of the back area that will stay wild. I am documenting the ordeal of cleaning it up and converting it back to a nice shaded wild area. :) Our lot ends at the creek. http://davesgarden.com/journal/d/t/sweezel/2572/

There are some pics of my shade garden here. I have made a bunch of updates including the new feeders, hammock and lots of plants and need to add pictures. I will try to get more pictures today and add them.... http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/589719/

Last place I have pictures is here. This is back soon after we moved in... http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/586832/

Hey sweezel! Congratulations on the Texas Taj Mahal! Beautiful Home there little lady!

Your yard is awesome, absolutely awesome. I looked at every photo you posted at all your links. The area where you are planning the new shade garden is so perfect. You are going to be one busy lady! The area by the little creek is what has me entranced. Love it. So much potential there.

Are you in a position to consider any type of a water feature back there with some sort of a small water fall? Any type of moving water sounds would attract more than your fair share of critters to add to the compliment of what you already have visiting. Water is always a critter magnet.

McKinney, TX(Zone 8a)

Thanks Equil. I am so happy with our purchase. I feel really lucky that we found it. I would really love to be in the country, at this time in our life it's not an option. I feel very lucky to have found this place. It was just what I wanted - plenty of yard for perennial beds, a wildlife attracting area, plus a shady area.

When the sun goes behind the house I will take a picture of the shade area again to add to that thread. I looked at the picture again before adding the link and I really have done a bunch of work.

As far as a water feature, I was thinking about using one of the multiple sloped areas to create a pond with a river rock stream. I want to pump the water up a hill and let it meander down into a pond. I had not thought about it being a draw for the animals though! Now I have even more reason to go ahead with the plan. :)

I really do love the creek area. After I get more work done down there, I would love to add a hammock there too. Just a rope one, to layback and watch the forest dwelling birds that don't come to the backyard area.


Bureau County, IL(Zone 5a)

Very cool sweezel! I know the feeling of starting over....I'm doing it for the 2nd time since July of 03. Been in this house a year this month. It's fun, yet a lot of hard work. I think the creek is a huge draw for the wildlife in your yard. I could only wish I had a creek :o) hmm...I have an alley behind me. Wonder if my little town would mind if I dug it all up and put some water in it.

I have so many sparrows....sometimes I just want to lay my head down and cry. I certainly understand your thoughts on dispatching. I haven't yet ordered the trap I want.....just that little nag in my head. But you know what? I'm going to go do that right now. Enough is enough. I'm tired of living out "Birds" in my own yard!

McKinney, TX(Zone 8a)

You go terry! I stopped by Lowes today to see if they have the smallest havehart trap and they did not. :-/

You guys won't believe the luck I thought I had today though. I was out front when I noticed a ruffled feathered sparrow on the ground by the tree. I went up to him and found out it was one of the fledglings from the family in the eaves. All he could do was hop around while I chased him under the cars and out, in and out. (No laughing!) Finally I cornered him into the garage and he ran under this loosely folded tarp up close to other stuff piled in the garage. I ran to the back to close the garage door, but afterwards could not find him/her anywhere. I looked and looked, but he hid well. Finally, I gave up and had to leave. The mom was across the street calling and calling so I knew he had to still be in there.

I called my husband and told him about the situation and told him not to let the bird get away if he got home first. He has heard me ranting about ways to dispatch the sparrows so he knew the baby bird would be a gonner. I got home and he admitted to me that he found the baby in the garage and let it go so it could live. I gave him my usual looks and he then said "but, it was so cute". I told him I needed to show him pictures of what they do and then he would not think it was so cute. He rambled on about evolution and "what about natural selection" and I just dropped it. :-? Of course his other comment about I would not be able to hurt it was probably right. I don't know what I would have done.

sweezel, the smallest HaveAHart trap won't work for HOSPs or EUSTs. They don't have a repeating trap. It might be best to get an actual trap designed for these types of birds.

I know I can't dispatch them. But my husband can and I can certainly pay someone to do it for me. Back after I learned how to differentiate between all the different Sparrows, I used to take their eggs out of their nests and boil them and return them to their nests. What can I say. I knew I couldn't kill them. Most of my friends can, but I can't.

McKinney, TX(Zone 8a)

Thanks, Equil. My plan was to try for one at a time with the haveahart. One of the webpages said that the one for mice works. The person keeps two of them set up year round. I think I am just going to have to bite the bullet and spend the $50 on the deluxe repeating trap. :-/

KC Metro area, MO(Zone 6a)

Equil... i love your idea of boiling the sparrow eggs and putting them back!!! The only way we can keep ours under control is shooting them with a BB gun. We have a wren house and the sparrows love to get in there and cause havoc. If I can find the sparrow eggs I will boil them.

Sweezel good luck with your traps. Let us know if they work for you.

My inability to dispatch them has been tossed around. The boiling of the eggs was suggested to me several years ago by a person who was very frustrated with me for not being able to dispatch them. What's neat about boiling the eggs is that they will try to hatch them which puts them out of action for at least one cycle. These HOSPs are considerably more prolific than our native species and for them to lay only one batch of eggs would be abnormal. They keep laying and laying and laying almost until the snow starts hitting the ground it seems.

Say pepper, if you can shoot them with a BB gun, that's the best way to go. The boiling of the eggs is for people like me who don't have a husband who will dispatch them. Sooner or later they do figure it out and abandon those eggs to lay more.

Wheatfield, NY(Zone 6a)

I was just catching up on some of your pix and saw your diary. I've been in my dream house 4 years, but it's a new development that was built on farmland, so NO trees..we're starting from scratch here. I love your plans. I have some garden beds that we have put in and some that are still in planning stages (3D Garden Designer and some stuff in MS Excel). Our lot is about 3/4 of an acre with 110' on a manmade lake. We're in zone 5 with some brutal winter winds coming off the lake, so we have to be careful what we plant.

KC Metro area, MO(Zone 6a)

Equil... I am definetely gonna keep shooting the sparrows. It's a good excuse to use the BB gun. LOL. Hey grampapa, welcome! We can get some brutal winters here too and one of the things we have learned is irises will grow anywhere, tulips love sun, daffodils also like sun and so do wildflowers. Native plants to your area are good plants to get cause they can handle whatever mother nature decides to throw at you.

Bureau County, IL(Zone 5a)

Pepper, I have a wren house, and the hole is way too little for the sparrows to get in. I don't remember now what size it is, but they can't get in.

May I ask a question? If someone does shoot them with a bb gun, how do you get rid of them? You don't want other wildlife to eat them, bb and all..........???

KC Metro area, MO(Zone 6a)

We shoot them with the bbs but unless you hit them in the head all you do is scare them off. It's a solution we use during wren season. That's the only time we have major problems with them.

As for the wren house, the hole's small but when you have determined birds wanting to make nests in there they will find a way to get in there. Sometimes the sparrows just flutter around the house and scare the wrens off.

Also as for dead birds.... I have a cat that loves to play with dead birds. Sometimes he eats them, and you know when he does cause he sick on the deck.

Bureau County, IL(Zone 5a)

Yes, I certainly understand the sparrows scaring them off. That's why I haven't a single nest box or feeder up. When I get the sparrows under control, then I'll feel comfortable putting up a nest box.

My question was more geared towards if you don't have a cat? I'm getting one of the sparrow traps. An air gun is an acceptable way to kill them. But then you have to do something with the dead birds. But if it has a bb in the head, then what? I'm just wondering what then.

KC Metro area, MO(Zone 6a)

The bb won't hurt the animals. You can leave it in them or if you don't want to take that chance and are not sqeemish then try to find it and take it out. I reccomend leaving it in. It's so small that it won't hurt them unless they are sick or something and if they are sick then they probably don't have long to live in the first place. If you don't want to take that chance then you can dig a hole for it and bury it. That works as well.

I hope I answered your questions. I hope the sparrow trap works as well.

Couple things you can do with the dispatched HOSPs. First off, BBs don't have any lead content any longer. If something eats them, they just eliminate the bb. There are raptor rehab centers out there that are generally very happy to take the dispatched HOSPs off your hands. There are also Zoos that like them as it saves on having to buy rats for some of their critters. Other than that, you can do what I used to do and put each one in a ziplock baggie and stick it in your freezer. The Turkey Vultures will gladly eat them. Turkey Vultures are migratory though so they aren't around all year round. That's why I toss them in the freezer. I don't mean to sound disgusting but it's sort of like home made Swanson tv dinners for the Turkey Vultures. You don't even need to dethaw them. Just toss them out in an area where you know the TVs hang out and they'll be gone.

As far as getting an outdoor cat to eat the dispatched HOSPs, not a good idea. Outdoor cats eat wildlife and because their diet is very similar to that of raptors, the disproportionately high numbers of feral/stray/and indoor-outdoor house cats can and do directly compete with our birds of prey.

Mableton, GA(Zone 7b)

Cracks me up how you say 'dispatch' when you can't come to grips with the fact that you are talking about killing.

You people are delusional and pathetic. Why can't you discuss killing of wildlife in the hunting forum?

Hendersonville, NC(Zone 7a)

Must we express a difference of opinion in the form of character assassination?

Mableton, GA(Zone 7b)

Equil, I just wanted to address that I spoke in shock over something that I did not expect to find here. I'm not mad at you, but do find it difficult when people can't own their actions. The word 'dispatch' to me is a way of avoiding the reality. That is my opinion and I apologize if what I said was harsh. I didn't mean to even begin to start an arguement and I appreciate your not lashing back at me.

angie

Olympia, WA(Zone 8b)

MAG,
Because, THESE GARDEN FOES are NOT hunted, and they are NOT "wildlife".

ECOB,
Because, when we say what we mean, the politically correct people start WHINING about how we should NOT discuss dealing appropriately with GARDEN FOES. But then, I dont count, since I am apparently delusional and pathetic.

SPAR,
No, "WE" dont, but SOME DO re: character assassination.

Best;
bluelytes

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP