Ray, Thanks for the advice.It sounds like a good system. michelle

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

Lisa You will be losing sleep and pulling your hair out before this is over. I have not worked the last few years so I do nothing but watch out the window during nest building. I have seen these situations more than once. This year I am working and can only hope while I'm gone tragedy will not strike. Running out screaming and waving at hosps is always a good tactic. LOL It does work. First Keep trying with the drst. The natives will not go in it again after they get caught. The titmice always bite me when I let them out. So cute! I like to put it near a brushy area where the hosps hang. Next shoot at them with the bb gun every time you see them at the box. You will find out they are very smart. Even if you don't hit them you can sway them to another box by doing this. I would try to notice where they are flying in and out of your yard from and situate the drst there and also put another box with a 1 1/4" hole near there to see if I could entice them to switch boxes. Then let them get comfy and keep them busy. Then use the Van Ert. Of course like all traps it still must be monitored as other birds fit through that hole. You have to stop feeding the other birds or use only safflower seed when using the drst. Once they get busy nest building for real they will be more apt to eat from the trap. Keep us posted on your situation and your sanity. Any questions don't hesitate to ask. Good Luck Cathy

Linda, Smart thinking!!!.We have to be a step ahead of the HOSPs.They are very intelligent birds and that is why they have been able to survive every where they go.When I put a trap in, my HOSPs will sit on the hole and look in,see the trap and will choose another nest box.I finally have to hand some white down feathers in the hole and some inside the nest box to look like a nest before he would go in. michelle