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Lesson learned - ALWAYS use a Spooker!

12 years ago

I had my doubts that with swallows and bluebirds paired nesting next to each other that any problems would occur.

If you followed my last post, you know I had 1 egg that 2 days later was missing from the nest.

I have ruled the Swallows OUT of the equation for now. When I arrived home today I heard that notorious chirp in the direction of the bluebirds' box. HOSP!

There is a male HOSP hanging around in the trees behind these two boxes, chirping away. He landed close to the box, and one of the bluebirds came in to attack. He had a mate and circled the boxes. The male and female then landed on each box, standing their ground.

This just goes to show that even though you have the aid of another beneficial species in a paired box, that doesn't mean you are 100% protected from HOSP.

Although I didn't have all the evidence, today's events seemed to prove that HOSP were indeed the suspect. I would advise anyone with any doubts - get that Spooker UP!!! I'm now nervous that I won't be able to get the spooker up in time after the next egg to prevent destruction again by the HOSP. But my Van Ert is by my side waiting, in case the HOSP try and take over the box. If that happens, they're GOOD AS DEAD!!!

The TRES aren't around because it's only 42 degrees, cloudy, and misting. But SOMEHOW, the Blues are toughing out this short cold spell to defend their box. Tomorrow things start heading toward normal - 50 and sunny. 70 by the weekend. Usually the TRES annoy me with their antics and calls, but I wan't them back soon! Would love to see how this HOSP pair fairs against FOUR ADULT BIRDS!! (or more if a TRES MOB shows up!) hehehehe! I'm half tempted to pull the crappy BB gun out and try to nail this HOSP! I'd like some REVENGE!

~Tim. N.E. Ohio

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Comments (2)

kendra2003
12 years ago
So sorry to hear that Tim. I know you've been working hard to eliminate the HOSP in the area. They just keep coming, don't they? I'm sure you'll get that spooker up on time. I doubt that the spooker is even a 100% guarantee, but it sure does help.
ohsoblue77
Original Author
12 years ago
They keep coming indeed, but the number of them has drastically dropped in my neighborhood. I've destroyed 100's of eggs, dealt the end to some nestlings, and euthanized at least 100 or more adult HOSP in my time.

Go figure that the 1 or 2 remaining Male HOSP just HAVE TO ruin a native's nesting attempt when there's plenty spots for them (pine trees, buildings, etc.) to nest! I also don't see how this HOSP managed to destroy the egg(s)but hasn't been able to take the box over completely. Maybe it's because my blues have been around 24/7? Who knows!

BTW, I'm getting HORRIBLE results with my DRST at another site I monitor. I have 2 Male and 2 female HOSP. Been in there at least 3+ days with NO additional captures. 1 native released. I like the DRST, but it has dissapointed me.

I know the Spooker isn't a 100% guarantee, but it has to be pretty darn CLOSE! I don't think (knock on wood) that this HOSP will be able to overcome a spooker, and two different pairs of native birds working together. Plus the TRES mobs.

The nest cup has been rounded out more by the bluebirds.
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