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TRES nesting question

16 years ago

Hi all! I have TRES nesting for the first time. They are in a gourd. I have been reading about the HOSP's bothering nesting TRES, and I am wondering whether there is a special type of gourd entrance which would keep the HOSP's out. I would like to stay one step ahead of the little vermin birds if I can. This gourd has a standard crescent entrance on it now.

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Comments (9)

bbcathy
16 years ago
Not that I'm aware of. Gourds are not a good choice unless you plan on having Purple Martins b/c you cannot use a sparrow spooker or a wren guard on them. They will not only bother them they will kill parents eggs and young. I have seen it many times. Go to www.sialis.org to see sparrow spookers. They are easy to make and super effective but can only be used after the first egg is laid.
Good Luck
Cathy
bandjzmom
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Cathy. We are trying to get Purple Martins, and the TRES chose a gourd on that rack. We just moved their gourd
about 25 feet off to the side of the Purple Martin pole. I already have a spooker for my BB box. I suppose I could rig one up for the gourd too. TRES don't mind the spookers?
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lisa11310
16 years ago
I just read that an opening 7/8"th tall and 2" wide will allow the TRES access but not the HOSPs. I am modifying a box today to try , my TRES have not started a nest yet and I have a pesky HOSP that I have not gotten yet so I will try this box until I get him! Can you modify the entrance of the gourd? I heard this type of entrance was first used for the Martins.
I will send the link if I can find it.
Oh here it is http://www.skmfg.com/movies/clinger2.html
.
bandjzmom
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you Lisa. This helps me a bunch. I am familiar with Mike. I will e-mail him personally and ask him this question.
bbcathy
16 years ago
Tres take to spookers just fine. Trapping is still helpful tho. I wish I had the time and money to host PUMAS. Maybe in the future.
Cathy
bandjzmom
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks a bunch Cathy. This is helpful info. I will just rig up a spooker for the TRES gourd. I know that keeps the HOSP's away. This is my 3rd season trying for Purple Martin's. Lots of people seem to get them on the 3rd season. I am really hopeful. I have certainly done my research and provided the best and safest site that I possibly could have. Now, time will tell.
bbcathy
16 years ago
I will cross my fingers for you!!! You've done all that work so I'm sure it will happen soon.
Cathy
kendra2003
16 years ago
The Tree Swallows I hosted last year didn't seem to mind the sparrow spooker a bit. You could even rig one of those mylar party decorations with a wire to hang over the gourd.
bandjzmom
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Cathy. We are really hopeful this year. We had Purple Martins to visit our site for the past 2 years. We made some changes this year which should do the trick. Now, it's up to the martins to decide whether or not to stay. Who knew that it could be so hard to get one species of bird to nest in your yard?
Thanks Kendra. I am really good at improvising, and the Dollar Tree is a great source for spooker supplies!

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