FOSS members were busy this week getting the tree swallow
nesting boxes ready for the new arrivals that are already showing up - much earlier this Spring because of the
warm weather and the emergence of insects.
Preparation involves removing old, decaying nesting material, scraping
all surfaces and sterilizing with a vinegar/water solution. About three-quarters of the boxes had been
used by swallows. Some were empty, others had been claimed by song
sparrows (?) A few had been used by
overewintering wasps and field mice.
Unfortunately, two evictions of the cute interloper were necessary!
On May 26th, as part of the Sam Smith Spring Bird Festival, FOSS will be inviting families to build more nesting boxes (and a few bat boxes) for Sam Smith and other Toronto parks.
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