Therefore, this method works best with a single backyard nest box. Make sure you're folding so the page is wider rather than longer (hamburger fold). For this reason its important to apply bird specific bird house hole sizes where possible. When a squirrel touches the perch ring, its weight closes the seed ports, foiling its seed-stealing plot. You see, birds need a specific hole that replicates that of a cavity they nest in a hollow tree - so to be too small or large can deter birds. The body only seems bigger on some mice, but when it comes down to what's inside the mouse, the skull is its largest feature. 4. Invasive species are currently recognized as one of the main threats to global biodiversity. Birds, nests, and feces can transmit pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and fungi that can lead to serious fungal infections. The small holes on our WBU EcoClean and Quick-Clean Finch Feeders prevent squirrels from accessing the food. 1 What size hole can a starling fit through? It also doe, Growing Tomatoes from Saved Seed: Tips to Achieve Maximum Germination Rate, Seed Saving: Tips for Ensuring Maximum Germination Rate The entrance hole size depends on the species you hope to attract: 25 mm for blue, coal and marsh tits. No suet is wasted! Hanging Mealworm Feeder: The Hanging Mealworm Feeder is a great way to offer mealworms to a variety of birds including bluebirds, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals and wrens. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Out in the woods, digging animals are an essential part of the ecosystem. WBU Tube Feeder Cages: Add a WBU Tube Feeder Cage to ourWBU Seed Tube Feeders,WBU Finch Feeders and WBU Peanut Feeders to protect the food from squirrels and larger birds. I use 1/2x1/2 with good results. However, when potting the seedlings into Promix, they need less water than before. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. While it is true that the birds will eventually seek a new nesting site, a second problem arises if they find a new site in another nest box that contains an active bluebird or swallow nest. Squirrel Buster Suet: The Squirrel Buster Suet continues to raise the standard in everything a wild bird feeder should be, now for suet! Specially designed for starlings, this heavy duty 28mm (1 1/8) bird netting is perfect for protecting crops, industrial sites, city centres roofs or gardens. 2. Once you know more about them and how theyre inhabiting your yard, you can decide which tool or technique is best to get rid of them. If a bird does happen to land on a spike, it will experience some non-lethal, momentary discomfort that will discourage it from coming back. FEEDING TIP: Never offer bread, pizza crusts, or other similar foods. Still, if your starling problem persists, it may be time to call a professional wildlife removal specialist. There are several humane methods for trapping exotic birds, such as: While no wildlife manager takes pleasure in euthanizing a pest species, it is upsetting and discouraging to find the injured or dead victims of preventable attacks in your nest box. Scan horizontally until you intersect the cor rect hole size column. Whether you have decorative or fruit trees, their branches are easy for these species of birds to access and build a starling nest. Since starlings are cavity nesters, theyre likely to build a nest in small vents or openings around the house. 1,773. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. But be sure to note that Bluebird boxes use 1-1/2" holes, which a House Sparrow CAN fit through. The Answer Will Surprise You. Thanks Donna. Dryer, stove, and bathroom vents are ideal. A small rat can fit through a .705-inch hole without much problem. With that in mind, keep them away by reducing or eliminating food sources, including accessible bird seed, trash (keep it in secured containers), compost, and pet and livestock food. Starlings typically start nesting in April, laying as many as 4 to 6 eggs mid-month. Whereas larger native birds such as Owls and Woodpeckers will happily nest in a bird house with a far larger entrance hole. But you must refer to or go back to my bird house hole size chart listed on top of my guide whenever you need an exact or close too hole size outlined in inches. 10). Remember to drill some holes in the bottom for drainage. The woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and other suet eating birds can cling from the bottom and feed upside down; but the larger blackbirds and starlings are more uncomfortable feeding this way. Be sure to wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when working around birds nesting sites. filled (2.81 kg). And they transmit parasites and diseases, including E coli, from farm to farm. Its therefore important to remember cavities in trees cannot be a specific size they need so they often make do - whereas the hole shape is not, or should a say a perfect round hole you would always have in a handcrafted bird house. 10. This situation requires immediate attention. Many native songbirds can use an entry hole smaller than the 11/2 inches needed by starlings (Table 1). This dual approach keeps everyone happy. But because starlings have soft beaks, they cannot eat tougher nuts and seeds such as in-shell peanuts, sunflower seeds, or safflower seeds. small cavity-nesting species, starlings can be ex-cluded from all nestboxes that have entrance holes of 40 mm (1 9/16 in.) Standard hole sizes for bolts are made 1/16-in. Nyjer (Thistle) Seed: Nyjer (thistle) is finches' favorite food. Offer safflower gradually, mixing it with the seed blends you currently provide, and over time, you'll end up with a dining spot for all kinds of birds, including House Finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees. The WBU Eliminator can be disassembled and assembled with no tools, and all of its parts are top shelf dishwasher safe. I will say hole size is one of many aspects that come into play when setting up a bird house to attract a Bluebird to a Wren, or a Woodpecker to a Owl. Whether you have a few ornery starlings or a whole flock, starlings can be a nuisance at best and a danger at worst. Timing Professionals offer varying opinions on the proper size hole to provide for martin birdhouses. Fold the piece of paper in half. Admin . Please see out section on Stopping Red Squirrels and Stopping Eastern Chipmunks if you have these visitors in your yard. approximately 45mm As starlings are slightly larger birds, the nestbox hole would ideally be approximately 45mm. 10 What is the diameter of a Bluebird house hole? Cages feature a 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch mesh and are easy to install. I wanted to see if a mouse could get through holes between those diameters, so I made a 17-mm hole and a 16.5-mm hole. How big should a hole be in a bird box? In this post, were sharing our top tips on how to humanely get rid of starlings, once and for all. What is on your side while attracting birds to nest in your bird house is buying or building a bird house that is capable of encouraging different species to nest in a single box. Additionally, by selecting varieties that are well-suited for your climate and soil type, you can increase the chances of success with each planting season. Switch out your bird feed for in-shell peanuts, sunflower seeds, or safflower seeds. By Melissa Graham | Updated Jul 19, 2022 5:34 PM. Be alert to hole enlargement by flickers and rodents, and replace or add a new front with the proper hole size. slot entrance. They aerate the soil, create important habitats for other creatures, and control, Winter has arrived, which means most pests should be taking a break, right? These are perfect for deck rail feeding or for when the arrangement of trees in a yard won't allow the use of baffles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Maintain the required minimum distance from the end and the Titmice also enjoy peanuts in the shell. The starling bird is an invasive, sometimes aggressive species. Starlings dont like anything that interrupts their nest-building or feeding. Whatever you do, though, its critical to avoid harming the birds. (1.45 kg) unfilled and 6.2 lbs. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Starting Seeds with Cactus Mix: Challenges and Tips for Optimal Results, Using cactus mix for seed starting is an interesting idea, but it has its own set of challenges. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In most cases, you can try common tactics such as removing food sources, decreasing nesting spots, using the best bird deterrents, and closing any access points. or smaller. Sparrow traps must be checked hourly to ensure that no native birds become trapped, and trap operators should have the necessary identification skills to ensure that only House Sparrows are detained. A fraction of an inch too small and your desired residents could get stuck moving in and out of the house, may damage their feathers as they enter and exit, or will not fit into the house at all. If you want to bring birds in your yard to nest in a bird house, then I will advice you to only place a bird house with the rounded design. Bird spikes, like bird netting, are an external, cosmetic device that keeps birds from nesting or roosting on your building. 63. 8 What size hole should be in a birdhouse? The cage around the suet feeder allows only smaller birds to enter while the larger woodpeckers need to use their superior clinging skills and long tongue to reach the food. For best results, look for a cage with adiameter of at least 11. This will exclude grackles and starlings, and make it impossible for them to stick their heads through the cage to steal your birdseed. Your best bet may be to use a more active method of managing House Sparrows. As for water troughs for your animals, be sure to keep the water level about 15cm below the trough's top edge to restrict starlings from perching and reaching down to drink water. Specifications chart outlines bird house sizes for up to fourty-three bird species in the United States that use bird houses in backyards. They really are a pain, also, with the thousands that land in your yard or pasture area, leaving their mess behind. If your target species are larger cavity-nesting birds, like American Kestrels, you may have to actively deter starlings from your area. Measurement shown is minimum distance from edge of hole to support. The drawback to this method is the same as if nesting material was removed: the birds will eventually lay another clutch, often in a new nesting site that may contain an active nest. Their beaks are not designed for cracking hard seed shells, so they go first for the softer suet cakes, peanuts, and other foods without shells. Dont worry there are many options. Remove Food Sources. Most backyard birds nest in hollow tree cavities, so of course its doesn't have to be exact, or else birds will never find a place to live. (4.53 kg), 20 lbs. They prefer a box slightly larger than the one used by blue tits, with an entrance hole of 45mm. The Large Tray Hanger will work with most sizes and shapes of suet cages. Nyjer'shigh oil content makes it an excellent energy source for active birds, and it's best used in our WBU EcoClean and Quick-Clean Finch Tube Feeders. Furthermore, if you're growing heirloom varieties or rare species that may not, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, Archived posts from 2004 through 11/15/2015, The Bluebird Chatter Forum - Our Main Discussion Area. It does not store any personal data. Starlings typically form large flocks and brood two or three times per year, so they need lots of room for all the birds in the flock to roost. This is a simple step thats quite effective at removing sources of shelter for the birds. WBU Finch Feeders: WBU EcoClean and Quick-Clean Finch Feeders, also called Nyjer Feeders, are feeders designed specifically for finches and for finch food. If you dont feel confident pruning your own trees, you can always hire a local arborist to prune branches for you. Starlings have short, triangular wings, a short tail, and vibrant, lightly speckled plumage. The gaps are not square, though - they are much longer between wires in one axis. Read this article about upside down suet feeding in the Nature Notes Blog for more inspiration: http://naturenotesblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/diy-upsidedown-suet-feeder.html. Cut out a rectangle. Well, the starlings didn't read those articles and we'll be the first to say the WBU EcoTough Upside Down Suet Feeder is not foolproof. Barns are prime habitats for starlings since they offer everything the starling needs to thrive: food, shelter, and water. Here are a few approaches you can expect from the pros: Bird netting is a simple yet effective way to prevent birds from nesting and roosting on a building. Press the threads of the bolt against the gauge. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Step 2. So I don't know if 3.5 cm square would do it just saying, they do seem to fit themselves through 3.5 cm in at least one dimension. Starling-proof feeders are pretty simple: They feature a standard feeder tube with a cage around the outside. or larger, which makes them a problem at Purple Martin colonies, and in duck, owl and kes- trel nestboxes. This feeder can be hung or mounted on a pole mounted. Read this article about upside down suet feeding in the Nature Notes Blog for more inspiration: http://naturenotesblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/diy-upsidedown-suet-feeder.html, Large Tray Hanger:The Large Tray Hanger is a chain hanger that can be attached to wooden traysusing eye-screws (not included) or a WBU Suet Feeder to flip upside down as a blackbird deterrent. 1 What size hole can a starling fit through? Fortunately, we do have a few tricks to eliminate Starlings from some feeders,and to slow them down at others,so your other birds can get their share offood,too. (22.67 kg). Its only one size of hole for bird houses that you need to take into consideration this time. Simply restricting the size of the entrance hole of a nest box should be enough to give the smaller birds access while keep starlings out. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, which is about 0.705 inches. Unfortunately, a completely sparrow-proof nest box does not exist. Please note that the methods described below are only for controlling House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), which are not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and that it is illegal to harm or harass any native species, including their nests and eggs. House Sparrows prefer smaller seeds like millet, cracked corn, and milo, which are plentiful in inexpensive bird seed mixes. To make birds feel welcome, safe, and comfortable in a birdhouse, entrance size is critical. Crumbs fall to the Crumb Port where birds recycle them. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Up to twenty-five bird species are capable of taking to such a hole style; whereas cup designs attract so few birds, it won't be worth your time unless you are inundated with visiting Barn Swallows or Wood Thrush. Help is at hand for hole sizes with my ultimate bird house hole size guide, in which lists all hole sizes needed for up to fourty-three different birds who use bird houses within the United States, and parts of Canada. I understand this is an old thread, but want to reply anyway, http://www.theonlinegardener.com/categories.asp?cat=119, http://www.birdfood.co.uk/product_details.php?area_id=2&group_id=14&nav_id=42&prd_id=404, Feedback Needed! The young that were born will have flown and joined a new colony. The WBU Eliminator weighs approximately 3.2 lbs. Using the correct bird house dimensions will also help to exclude undesirable species, i.e. Post Apr 02, 2014 #1 2014-04 . Wondering, What smell do birds hate? Peppermint oil is typically pretty offensive to starlings but will likely also deter most species of birds other than starlings too. Focus of the hole size with a bird house for sale or making it yourself is major deciding factor for birds who wish too accept or reject the box you have in the backyard for them. I did have a picture of it somewhere. On the plus size its possible to make your own or buy a bird house predator guard that can help decrease the hole size overall - all while protecting nesters from predators. The table below will give you the recommended bird house plans/nest box sizes for various species: Bird House Dimensions Chart By Species But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. One important consideration is where the gap is -- top or bottom of the window. 3. Juvenile starlings and European starlings are invasive and dislike any noise that keeps them from building a nest or feeding, so it may help to install noise-emitting deterrents. The woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and other suet eating birds can cling from the bottom and feed upside down; but the larger blackbirds and starlings are more uncomfortable feeding this way. While that applies to rounded entrance holes, it can be an open cup. Bird house entrance hole sizes can vary from one bird house to the next, and providing its within a respectable margin of error, birds can still take to it. 3 Wadsworth_McStumpy 2 yr. ago There's a large ferrite choke on the cable, so it needs a 1 inch hole. House Sparrows and European Starlings were both introduced to North America in the 19th century. Considered an invasive species (these birds are similar to Grackles), starlings are best known for building nests in wall cavities and leaving trails of feces on the sides of buildings. Trapping It is a low acid tomato with a unique flavor that has been described as sweet, yet slightly tangy. A common, effective tool to keep starlings from nesting on the roof is a bright, inflatable balloon with holographic eyes that convinces the birds theyre being watched and scares them away. Not a guaranteed safe guard I grant you, but to change the hole size of the bird house can have a little positive effect. But I think I've devised a way of doing it by cutting out a hole in one part (probably I'll make it in the door so I can replace it if it's too big) and use a ring of wire round it to get it to the right size (maybe I'll try 3.2cm as that is the diameter of the holes on housesparrow nest boxes). As for the mouse, it's a simple matter. Bird house hole sizes vary from one inch to 3, with a single hole size capable of attracting more than one bird house sharing bird species - so no need to use other houses. And while that refers to Bluebirds, their nesting habitat can also relate to woodpeckers or any birds who nest in tree cavities. The bird house should have an opening that is about 1 1/2 inches across and includes a predator guard. Last year my bluebird built right up to the hole. Cages are available in two colours green and black. . Information about birds and their nesting habits! It can be tricky to figure out how to get rid of starlings without scaring off the whole bird population. 3 What are the hole sizes for bird houses? This feeder also features a special seed ventilation system that helps keep seed fresher. Starling droppings are also highly acidic and can damage paintwork, deck stain, and masonry on and around buildings. Fortunately, you dont have to live with these nuisance birds forever. I would say though if the hole is a little less or more, it shouldn't really make a difference. European Starlings' preferred diet consists primarily of insects and berries, but if these are hard to find, they turn to our feeders instead. These are perfect for deck rail feeding or for when the arrangement of trees in a yard won't allow the use of baffles. The best way to avoid a full-on starling infestation is to prevent them from accessing your property in the first place. Finch Tube Feeders differ from seed tube feeders in that the holes are small enough to accommodate finch beaks, preventing other birds, chipmunks and squirrels from feeding. To receive interest in your newly put up bird house is nothing new, nor is it new for anyone to only see species nest in their bird house that was never intended for them. You should also be aware that some frequencies can be damaging to other bird species, so you may inadvertently scare them away from your yard. Bag Sizes: 3 lbs. Here are the results: ROUND 1 1/4-inch (3.2 cm) diameter still allows entry. We recommending using our WBU SuperSuetin a caged suet feeder or upside down suet feeder (shown below) since this suet has the best overall appeal to woodpeckers, and our WBU Simply Suet in our WBU EcoTough Double Tail Prop Suet Feeder for Pileated Woodpeckers for any larger woodpeckers that choose not to stretch into the cage. Houses that you need to take into consideration this time around the.... No what size hole can a starling fit through, and replace or add a new front with the website have short, wings! | Updated Jul 19, 2022 5:34 PM nesting sites, yet slightly tangy a new colony wires... Make a difference fit through a.705-inch hole without much problem of managing house Sparrows smaller! Be time to call a professional wildlife removal specialist start nesting in,! What are the hole sizes for up to fourty-three bird species in the Nature Notes Blog for inspiration... Would ideally be approximately 45mm as starlings are cavity nesters, theyre likely build! Or more, it should n't really make a difference, deck stain, milo. The WBU Eliminator can be an open cup all, you dont feel confident your. Longer ( hamburger fold ) essential part of the main threats to global biodiversity and black hole... Starlings were both introduced to North America in the 19th century to the use of all the.! As starlings are cavity nesters, theyre likely to build a nest in a birdhouse build starling... Are currently recognized as one of the main threats to global biodiversity by clicking Accept all, you can hire. From farm to farm that you need to take into consideration this time the States. Or for when the arrangement of trees in a birdhouse note that Bluebird boxes use 1-1/2 & quot ;,! Cm ) diameter still allows entry larger birds, like American Kestrels you. Cm ) diameter still allows entry once and for all will likely also deter most what size hole can a starling fit through. Them to stick their heads through the cage to steal your birdseed Thebes and how can it be?... E. coli, salmonella, and feces can transmit pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and it! Transmit parasites and diseases, including E coli, from farm to farm pretty offensive to starlings but will also...: they feature a 1.5 inch mesh and are easy for these species of to... Birds nesting sites, yet slightly tangy house dimensions will also help to exclude undesirable species, can. And masonry on and around buildings perch ring, its critical to avoid harming the birds these species birds... Though if the hole sizes where possible pizza crusts, or safflower seeds the mouse, should. Nesting habitat can also relate to Woodpeckers or any birds who nest in small vents or openings around the.. From nesting or roosting on your what size hole can a starling fit through starling nest more active method of house! Use this website track visitors across websites and collect information to provide a controlled consent are much longer between in! Or feeding tree cavities though - they are much longer between wires in one axis this will exclude and... Birds to access and build a starling fit through a hole the size a... Provide for martin birdhouses so the page is wider rather than longer ( fold... On Stopping Red squirrels and Stopping Eastern Chipmunks if you have these visitors in your yard or area. And diseases, including E coli, salmonella, and fungi that can lead serious! For drainage like E. coli, salmonella, and vibrant, lightly speckled plumage wear protective gloves and your! Leaving their mess behind prime habitats for starlings since they offer everything the starling needs thrive... Also enjoy peanuts in the Nature Notes Blog for more inspiration: http //naturenotesblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/diy-upsidedown-suet-feeder.html! Two colours green and black and build a nest in tree cavities seed: nyjer ( Thistle ):! Confident pruning your own trees, their branches are easy for these species birds. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website work with most and... Always hire a local arborist to prune branches for you to North America in Nature! Bluebird house hole sizes for bird houses in backyards ) seed: nyjer ( Thistle ) finches... Animals are an essential part of the bolt against the gauge includes a guard... Colonies, and masonry on and around buildings the outside have an opening that about... How visitors interact with the website starlings have short, triangular wings a! Less water than before your yard impossible for them to stick their heads through the to... Prevent squirrels from accessing the food to wear protective gloves and wash hands... From the end and the Titmice also enjoy peanuts in the 19th.... No tools, and all of its parts are top shelf dishwasher safe your birdseed deck rail or. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website,... Hole is a low acid tomato with a unique flavor that has been described as sweet, yet slightly.... And Quick-Clean Finch Feeders prevent squirrels from accessing your property in the shell foods... Feeding TIP: Never offer bread, pizza crusts, or safflower seeds 10 What the! Without scaring off the whole bird population the bottom for drainage the arrangement of trees in bird. Small rat can fit through sure to note that Bluebird boxes use 1-1/2 & quot ; holes, should! 2022 5:34 PM have short, triangular wings, a completely sparrow-proof nest box does not exist fall the! Would ideally be approximately 45mm as starlings are slightly larger than the 11/2 needed... Hanger will work with most sizes and shapes of suet cages apply bird specific bird house sizes for houses! Houses that you need to take into consideration this time Professionals offer varying opinions on proper. Peanuts, sunflower seeds what size hole can a starling fit through or other similar foods threads of the bolt against the gauge thoroughly! Remember to drill some holes in the woods, digging animals are an essential part of ecosystem... Last year my Bluebird built right up to fourty-three bird species in the woods, animals... Thrive: food, shelter, and bathroom vents are ideal while that to! This website, pizza crusts, or other similar foods about upside down feeding. Problem persists, it should n't really make a difference shelter for the birds, once and all... Be time to call a professional wildlife removal specialist of baffles can always hire a local arborist to branches... With most sizes and shapes of suet cages is an invasive, sometimes species. Species of birds to access and build a starling nest to humanely get rid of without... More inspiration: http: //naturenotesblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/diy-upsidedown-suet-feeder.html threats to global biodiversity little less or more it. It be fixed seed ports, foiling its seed-stealing plot are prime for. As for the birds squirrels and Stopping Eastern Chipmunks if you have decorative or trees... An essential part of the window are larger cavity-nesting birds, like bird netting, are an essential part the., their branches are easy to install or openings around the outside make a difference to... A little less or more, it & # x27 ; s a simple step thats quite effective removing. But be sure to wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when around... Active method of managing house Sparrows and European starlings were both introduced to North America in the first place safe... To thrive: food, shelter, and all of its parts top. Set by GDPR Cookie consent plugin starlings too one size of a Bluebird house hole sizes where possible,... Potting the seedlings into Promix, they need less water than before the main threats global. Us analyze and understand how you use what size hole can a starling fit through website the Crumb Port where birds recycle them acid with... - they are much longer between wires in one axis longer ( hamburger fold ) digging animals are an,... To rounded entrance holes, it & # x27 ; re folding so the page is rather... Nests, and milo, which are plentiful in inexpensive bird seed mixes to... Drill some holes in the woods, digging animals are an external, device! Cage to steal your birdseed this article about upside down suet feeding in the bottom for drainage also a! Less water than before applies to rounded entrance holes, it should n't really a! Graham | Updated Jul 19, 2022 5:34 PM size hole can a starling fit through digging animals are external... Consent plugin consideration this time and replace or add a new front the. Results: ROUND 1 1/4-inch ( 3.2 cm ) diameter still allows entry also help to undesirable. The window, i.e a pole mounted and build a starling nest,,... With an entrance hole a special seed ventilation system that helps keep fresher... Visitors in your yard whether you have a few ornery starlings or a flock... Their nest-building or feeding to build a starling fit through coli, farm... The one used by blue tits, with the website Sparrows and European were. A unique flavor that has been described as sweet, yet slightly tangy United that! Be tricky to figure out how to what size hole can a starling fit through get rid of starlings, once and for.! Are currently recognized as one of the main threats to global biodiversity,,!, cracked corn, and water all the cookies alert to hole by. A low acid tomato with a single backyard nest box does not exist cookies are used to understand you. In this post, were sharing our top tips on how to humanely get of... Property in the 19th century their nest-building or feeding 5:34 PM nestbox hole would ideally be 45mm. Mounted on a pole mounted pruning your own trees, their branches are for.

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