Nest on ledge in shed, HOSP or not ??

[Hanover Bill]

I have a bit of a quandary. I found a nest on a ledge in my shed. I had no idea it was being built, I haven't caught a glimpse of the intruder yet. It has the look of a typical HOSP nest, tunnel, grasses, paper, plastic wrapper pieces, and 5 speckled eggs.

My problem is I want to be sure it is a HOSP nest before I tear it out. I would hate to tear out a nest belonging to a native bird, but the last thing I need is 5 more HOSP to deal with.

I researched it and there are some similar nests and eggs, which makes the ID pretty difficult, unless I catch a glimpse of the intruder, which may be difficult since I have no idea where he/she is entering and exiting.

Any suggestions or advice.

Hanover Bill.

[jhcox]

Pull up pics of the male house sparrow he’s easier to ID. Watch the nest for a while if you see him coming or going from the nest you will know. Then do the deed and dispatch them quickly.

[JoeD]

Bill: How about a Carolina Wren. They like to build in sheds with a bulky nest
Joe

[Hanover Bill]

Thanks for the reponses guys. Turns out you are right JoeD, it is a Carolina Wren. I got a good look at Mama on the nest this morning. I'm sure glad I got a look at her before tearing the nest out. I would caution other Landlords of the possibility of being fooled into thinking it is a HOSP nest. Very similar nest, and very similar eggs. One thing on the eggs to watch for are that the speckles are concentrated more around the large end of the egg, but other than that very difficult to tell the difference.

Thanks Again;
Hanover Bill.