DRST trapping

14 years ago

Since I got my 1st DRST this week, I decided to make a post about it alone.

I've had the trap out since Wednesday. I am using a mix of millet from the pet store and today, bread crumbs, as bait.

It's on top of a water crate with plywood underneath it and a piece covering the food, as it's been snowing and raining.

Today I saw Chickadees going in and out of the bait tray from my window. The arm still lowers, so I'm thinking maybe they're just going straight in? Maybe they're too light as well?.. there was also a cardinal feeding in front of it where I spread bait. It flew off without attempting to enter the trap. So far, no HOSP have come near it, but my next door neighbor is feeding birds and I've heard them over there every day. So they are close, but haven't been near it. Supposed to be 41 and sunny tomorrow. I have yet to find what weather conditions are best for trapping. This cold is a pain, as I had to remove frozen water from the container in the trap.

I'd appreciate further advice, and this is an update from my "heard one singing" posting. Please also read it as well. Thanks.

~ Tim ~

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Comments (7)

Lexarose
14 years ago
I was just about to ask drst users how they dispatch several hosp at a time in the drst? I'm comfortable using the van ert and my pellet gun for one at a time dispatching, but not sure about several at a time dispatching. I'm seeing some males at my feeder lately but it's way too freezing today to lay in wait w/ my gun. I'm stressing out that the super wary males from last year won't go in the van ert again or let me anywhere near to blast 'em. Sorry I didn't answer your ? Tim...
ohsoblue77
Original Author
14 years ago
Lexa, from what I've heard you deal with one at a time. can be a lot of work, I know. You should use a draw string bag to remove one, being careful not to allow any birds to escape.

I just got my DRST so I have like no experience with it. Mine seems to have play in it, to where it bounces when raising back up or occasionally getting caught. It's aggravating me. I brought it back in. I don't know how to adjust the weights. The directions aren't specific enough.

Oh, and did you remove/cover the orange dot on the Van Ert? the 1st time I used it, this discouraged them. They shouldn't be able to view it from the outside. I rarely ever spoke them with it. My Van Ert traps (2) work like a charm.
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Well, so far Lexa there are little - no signs of HOSP using my boxes. So no Van Ert Trapping. For the first time in at least 2 years - my bluebirds have staked a first claim from one of my box pairs. There are now a few pieces of grass formed into a circle in one of my boxes. The male and female bluebird were hanging around behind the box, so I'm thinking it has to be them. Plus I haven't seen any HOSP on/near my boxes yet. Unfortunately, today I trapped yet another Chickadee. 4th one. My brother put some bait in there I didn't want him too, so this is probably what got the chickadee. The little guy was going back and forth. Approaching I saw it but couldn't tell what it was. Was thinking "come on, HOSP please" nope, another Chickadee. Although frantic, he had no damage and appeared healthy. It took him a minute to find the exit. Little guy bursted out and the next minutes he was up in the tree calling away. I'm not giving up yet! I've brought bread crumbs to the equation. I should have one eventually. Indeed with the "rogue" sparrow Lexa! I am gonna convince my neighbor to get a universal trap for his Martin Trio house, as removing the HOSP last season caused European Starlings to move in and start nesting. The Spar-o-door traps are too small for Starlings. I'm just glad my overall efforts to get rid of the HOSP have been successful. I've really changed things around here.
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Lexarose
14 years ago
Yes I know they shouldn't see the red dot. I've always taped a leaf to it but I should just remove it. I just got done reading the thread all about drst use at bluebird nut. Really an unbelievable amount of great info. Hopefully there is info there for you. I hope it's ok that I mention another forum here. Thanks for your advice Tim, good luck trapping!
ohsoblue77
Original Author
14 years ago
Yup, In fact I've been to that very thread myself. Between bluebird nut and sialis.org there really is great info on the net.

I see no issue in mentioning another forum. Both are just waking up, as the nesting season is just around the corner.

No problem, and thank you!
rayinri
14 years ago
I used to drown all the sparrows at once. Drop the trap into a pool or anything just bigger than the trap leave under water for four mins then clean out and
start over again....no chances of escape. Same way with starlings....
ohsoblue77
Original Author
14 years ago
That doesn't sound too humane, Ray, but if it works, it works!

I'm considering bringing them into my garage to individually remove them. But I might use Ether. Still thinking about how I'm gonna take care of the masses...but I have yet to trap one with the DRST. It's out of action right now due to the severe storms moving through the midwest. I don't want to risk it being destroyed so soon!
Lexarose
14 years ago
I was shocked when my local nature center said that's how they also do away with the hosp they trap! Man, I hate those things with a passion but that is such a cruel way to go, easy but cruel. Ether or car exhaust seems more ethical, at least that's how I'd want to be put out of my misery, not drowning. Just sayin'

DRST trapping

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DRST trapping

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