Sparrows chewing window screens!

[Liz]

I have a rather unusual problem. I feed a variety of birds in my
yard. Among the birds who come are house sparrows. Recently, they've
taken a liking to a big bush that is right in front of our living room
windows. Initially, it seemed that they were chewing leaves off some
of the stems. Then they developed a fascination with the window
screens, first clinging to them and then biting into them. At first,
I didn't think anything of it, until I noticed that all the screens
had holes in them and the biggest one, in the middle, was a mess, with
so many holes it actually looks like it's covered in stains! At some
point, we are going to have to get these screens replaced.
I guess my first question is: why are the house sparrows doing this?
Next: how do you keep house sparrows away from your screens? And
finally: are there screens that are too tough for house sparrows to
chew?
Thanks in advance!
Liz in southern N.J.

[Bill C.]

Liz,

This is just a guess, but if they were chewing leaves on the bush, there may
well be something on or in the leaves they are after which is also on the
screen. Possibly an insect or mite, something so very small you may not be
seeing it. Or else some vegetable matter that is being transferred from the
leaves to the screen making it attractive. Now most (but not all) birds
have little or no sense of smell so, I'd look to see if there seem some
vegetable, sappy or powdery residue on the screen, but my guess is the first
possibility, some small insect or mite.

I think before replacing the screen I'd try solving the problem. You could
try spraying the bush and screen thoroughly with an insecticidal soap. Or
pruning the bush so it is no longer in close proximity. I don't know the
exact situation with the bush, just things to consider.
--
Bill C. :o)`
New Brunswick, Canada
45º 3' 0"N 66º 54' 0"W

Post by Liz
I have a rather unusual problem. I feed a variety of birds in my
yard. Among the birds who come are house sparrows. Recently, they've
taken a liking to a big bush that is right in front of our living room
windows. Initially, it seemed that they were chewing leaves off some
of the stems. Then they developed a fascination with the window
screens, first clinging to them and then biting into them. At first,
I didn't think anything of it, until I noticed that all the screens
had holes in them and the biggest one, in the middle, was a mess, with
so many holes it actually looks like it's covered in stains! At some
point, we are going to have to get these screens replaced.
I guess my first question is: why are the house sparrows doing this?
Next: how do you keep house sparrows away from your screens? And
finally: are there screens that are too tough for house sparrows to
chew?
Thanks in advance!
Liz in southern N.J.

[Liz]

Hi Bill,
Your ideas are very good. I will look into following one or both of
your suggestions. Thanks! :-)
Liz in southern N.J.

Post by Bill C.
Liz,
This is just a guess, but if they were chewing leaves on the bush, there may
well be something on or in the leaves they are after which is also on the
screen. Possibly an insect or mite, something so very small you may not be
seeing it. Or else some vegetable matter that is being transferred from the
leaves to the screen making it attractive. Now most (but not all) birds
have little or no sense of smell so, I'd look to see if there seem some
vegetable, sappy or powdery residue on the screen, but my guess is the first
possibility, some small insect or mite.
I think before replacing the screen I'd try solving the problem. You could
try spraying the bush and screen thoroughly with an insecticidal soap. Or
pruning the bush so it is no longer in close proximity. I don't know the
exact situation with the bush, just things to consider.
--
Bill C. :o)`
New Brunswick, Canada
45º 3' 0"N 66º 54' 0"W

Post by Liz
I have a rather unusual problem. I feed a variety of birds in my
yard. Among the birds who come are house sparrows. Recently, they've
taken a liking to a big bush that is right in front of our living room
windows. Initially, it seemed that they were chewing leaves off some
of the stems. Then they developed a fascination with the window
screens, first clinging to them and then biting into them. At first,
I didn't think anything of it, until I noticed that all the screens
had holes in them and the biggest one, in the middle, was a mess, with
so many holes it actually looks like it's covered in stains! At some
point, we are going to have to get these screens replaced.
I guess my first question is: why are the house sparrows doing this?
Next: how do you keep house sparrows away from your screens? And
finally: are there screens that are too tough for house sparrows to
chew?
Thanks in advance!
Liz in southern N.J.

[Liz]

Hmmmm. A very interesting thought. I will look into providing some
materials for winter nests. It certainly couldn't hurt! :-)
Liz in southern N.J.

Post by Liz
I guess my first question is: why are the house sparrows doing this?
Next: how do you keep house sparrows away from your screens? And
finally: are there screens that are too tough for house sparrows to
chew?

thought about this today....B. may be right that they are after insects,
HOWEVER, I believe that birds who over winter, sometimes make a winter nest
that is especially warm....some sparrows (I think) in my neighborhood, actually
nest inside the steel housings of street lights. They managed to stuff one of
them so full of leaves, twigs, grass, etc. last year, that it popped open. So,
my "guess" is, if they are not gleaning bugs off your screeens, are they
grabbing bits of material to nest with? Maybe you could proviide something
else- string, twine, dog hair...

[CCR]

Post by Liz
I guess my first question is: why are the house sparrows doing this?
Next: how do you keep house sparrows away from your screens? And
finally: are there screens that are too tough for house sparrows to
chew?
Thanks in advance!
Liz in southern N.J.

Perhaps the birds are using the rough texture of the screens to
clean/sharpen their bills. I often see House sparrows sweeping their
bills back and fourth across branches during preening sessions. A large
rubber snake set on the exterior window sill might provide some relief.
If that proves ineffective, you could try some orchardist's bird netting
over the shrub to prevent roosting, and take away their escape route.
Craig