The first broods of bluebirds, Carolina wrens, and chickadees have fledged. So should we rid the nest boxes of old nest material and all its mess as soon as babies fledge? Research says, that depends.

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — This New Year, resolve to learn some of our common backyard birds. It’s satisfying to attach a name to a face, and might deepen your connection with individual species. If you ...