We're having some landscaping done. It's unfortunate that I can't do it myself, but my bulging muscle days were over before they began.
Most of the landscaping project involves the removal of some overgrown bushes too close to the house. These bushes are not native, are blocking the stairs to the deck, and are limiting access to the basement door. I could cut them back, but their root structure is already blocking the steps making them a trip and fall hazard for anyone who isn't paying close attention. Like me. Twice.
I've waited six weeks for the landscapers to get around to me. They're slated to come this week. As I was reviewing the work area, a small bird flushed out of the bushes and on further inspection I spotted a nest with three eggs in it. Great. The landscapers are coming and now there is a bird nest I need to think about. Or do I? I mean, time is money. My time. My money.
So, do I walk my talk and preserve nature...and wait another three weeks to get the landscapers out here again? Or, do I get rid of the damn bushes...and nest? Unfortunately for my current situation, I encourage people to use sustainable landscaping ideas. I give them ideas and plans and show them how easy it is. I talk about fostering wildlife and giving it a chance in this anthropocentric world. And now, in my own backyard, I am inconvenienced by three tiny eggs. Progress is blocked by three eggs?! Apparently so.
In order to be better informed, I researched the eggs. I find that they are not from some native, endangered, soon-to-be-eradicated-from-the-planet bird. They are House Sparrows. One of the most prolific birds in the world.
So, I look up House Sparrows and find that the little buggers are a black-hatted cowboy of the birding world. According to http://birding.about.com/od/birdprofiles/a/hosphistory.htm, they were introduced to the Americas in the mid-1850s to remind people of the old world (great idea folks) and protect grain crops from insects. Of course, it was then discovered that they only eat insects during breeding time and eat grain (and anything else they can) the rest of the year. (Nothing like a little research before introducing a foreign species). Indeed, they spread like...rats. They can be very aggressive and have been known to destroy bluebird eggs. They will even attack and kill nesting bluebirds. Audubon Omaha, while giving several passive control options, also lists "active" control options (http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/ban/hsbyse.htm), including wringing the sparrows' necks.
After noodling the issue, I decided I'd destroy the eggs and be done with this conundrum. Out I go to the bushes to do the deed. There, after a night of cold, driving rain, is one little chick barely holding its head up. Great. The dratted egg hatched! Of course, this poor, wobbly little chick probably pushed its siblings out of the nest in the cold night in order to be the sole survivor and get all the food, attention, homestead, and trust fund.
I'm faced with another conundrum: Do I give wildlife, unpopular wildlife, a chance? Do I sacrifice a life for my convenience? Do I kill a defenseless baby bird just to have my bushes removed? Do I extinguish a baby bird which may grow up to rampage against bluebirds? Do I mercifully obliterate one bird which will destroy native bluebirds? Do I actively control a bird which will painfully murder native songbirds and threaten their very existence in New England?
Maybe I'll just have a scotch, watch my step, and wait until it flies away.
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