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blues are here

16 years ago

Well first of all,Mr.Vanert got a good workout today.I am presently home on medical leave so have lots of time to "look" at everything going on out back.With the snow melting so fast and the weather getting warmer,I decided to check out my boxes.Well the first thing I see is the dreaded HOSP x 2 in and out of the blues favorite box,so time for the trap.I set Mr.Vanert in 2 different boxes and within 1 hour,I had caught 3 HOSP.The tough thing was that while I was watching these boxes,along came Mr.and Mrs.Blue also checking out the boxes.It is very early for this here in Mass.but the weather is perfect.Thank goodness I got those 3 and I will keep an eye out while I am home the next few weeks.I do not leave the traps set unless I am right here to monitor them,sure don't want to trap a blue.I have to say these traps are the easiest to use and the most successful for me at least.Guess Spring is really on it's way.Happy bluebirding to all......Jane

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Comments (2)

bandjzmom
16 years ago
I understand Jane. My 2nd BB nest of the season last year was invaded by a bull HOSP, and he pecked holes in all of the eggs and then began to throw them out of the house. I just cried. I would gladly have choked him if I'd been able to catch him. My Blues have been roosting in the box all winter, and I think it's just a matter of time before they begin to carry in nesting materials. I need to go and buy them some pine straw! I do have a spooker now, and as soon as I see that first egg, on it goes.
kendra2003
16 years ago
Jane, I agree that the Van Erts are the easiest to use, and I have more success with those than other methods. What I had to learn at the beginning was patience. I learned it from this board. Now I wait until the HOSP has claimed the box, and then insert the trap. I have also tried the baited ground traps, but only caught a Song Sparrow (which was promptly released), so I put that away for now. We do not get many HOSP, but the few that show up cause havoc. I've had a single male HOSP here all winter, and I will let him claim a box and introduce him to Mr. Van Ert when he does. The Van Ert trap is easy because on days I have to work, I can just set it the night before, and the HOSP cannot resist going into the box first thing in the morning. So I just remove him before work, and then remove the trap.
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