HOSP in box trap question

14 years ago

I have two nest boxes, one the blues started building a nest but a HOSP had claimed it yesterday. I successfully trapped him, my first one!! I actually got to see it happen...

My question is, the other box is frequently visited by house sparrows. I have an in box trap in it, but they seem spooked by it and have not entered it. Should I just take the trap out for a few days and let them get comfy.. btw, I had just replaced the box so it was easier to set the trap.

FYI, the blue birds have come back to the house where I trapped the sparrow yesterday... YEA! I can see this one out my back window. I was so worried I'd trap a bluebird and he wouldn't want to use this house.. whew!

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Comments (8)

april_birdylover
14 years ago
I would take the in box trap out. If he's attached to the box, he'll be back. keep your eyes on the box. Is he flying solo or does he have a female with him? I've found that once they find their mates, they spend a lot more time in and around the box. Once he starts coming around more often, then put the trap back in. Good job on getting your first hosp. Now you're bb will be able to enjoy your box. just make sure you put up a sparrow spooker after your female bb lays her first egg.
craftylady6
Original Author
14 years ago
Well, I just caught another male... there are more hovering around the nest now. They went wild when that male was trapped in there.. wow! Do they travel in "packs" or something? I have counted around 12 HOSP in my yard, so I have lots of work to do.
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I've watched HOSP go into the trap and turn around in the hole... they didn't actually go into the box fully. It's kind of frustrating, but I guess it's part of their house inspecting process. I've seen it happen several times. They do eventually go it, patience! I trapped severl HOSP and now they are leary of my "trap house". I THINK they are nesting in the gutter.. nature should take care of that with the next good rain.. My son wants to help, is WAY too eager too, kill these birds if I get him a BB gun... I'm afraid of broken windows, wrong birds being shot, and feeders with holes in them! But my traps won't work if they don't try to nest there... what to do... Sandra
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craftylady6
Original Author
14 years ago
just got a female... that makes three in two days!! I'm on a roll! There's another pair looking at it now.. the female even got in the house but didn't trip the trap, just turned around and looked out the hole.. wonder how she did that?

ps, blues are working hard on there house..
april_birdylover
14 years ago
Awesome! I have a hedgerow in between multiple neighbors and their are several them living there. I catch about 15 each season. you'll get there.. don't give up!
craftylady6
Original Author
14 years ago
bear with me, seems like everytime I post, I get another one... just got a male and there are more looking at the nest. I only have until hubby gets home. He doesn't like me killing birds but hasn't said I can't do it. I'm just going to be considerate to his feelings and stop trapping when he's home, fair enough?
craftylady6
Original Author
14 years ago
So far I've gotten 5 males and 1 female... so proud! Unfortunately the female bb was looking at it.. hope she sticks with the nest she started.

I'M SO EXCITED, the female bb just ate some of my homemade bluebird suet! I knew someone was getting it, but I just saw her eat several mouthfuls and take one large glob off with her... Freeze dried mealworms have been accepted just fine.

I have some cool picture plans. Once I have them eating from the window feeder again, I'm planting pink geraniums in the planter for a beautiful background... this will make for some awesome pics!

Sandra
sissyz
14 years ago
Sandra,
I am so thrilled for you! I am a few steps behind, I got my hubby to install trap today. I was afraid to leave it set because we had to be in and out for practices and church tonite. The website says if you can't stay, you need to leave it off. So, in the morning, my hubby will set it again, but I am scared to death of what to do with the bird in the house. May I ask how you have dealt with it? I am so excited for you and have been following your progress!
P.S. My hubby says he won't help me once I've trapped it. YIKES!
craftylady6
Original Author
14 years ago
oops, I think I answered you on my other post... run down of what I said was: laundry mesh bag, make like a fast windmill, come to a fast, hard sudden stop... My hubby wouldn't help me either. We had gotten birds in the house from the chimney and it's funny how everyone disappears over BIRDS..!

Where are your blues at? Building nest or still shopping?

Sandra