Each year we cleared a 100' radius of twigs from the bird houses. These twigs acted as solitary perches for the lonely house wren to sit and wait for the bluebird &/or tree swallow parents to leave the nest.

In spring, when snow has melted wrens would sneak in and destroy the nest, chicks, eggs or unsuspecting Tree Swallows asleep on the nest. House wrens are extremely competitive and did not think twice about eliminating the competition. Be prepared for the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as you see telltale signs of feathers and nesting material scattered at the base of the bird house.