I have several boxes. One has been claimed by TRES. No nest yet. Today a male HOSP showed up to scare off the TRES and claim the box. I have a FIRST and van ert. I’ve already trapped and disposed of another male HOSP in the same box using a van ert. That was before the TRES showed up.
Would anyone advise using a van ert now and risk capturing the TRES?
Scot, I usually don’t get in a big hurry about setting the Van-Ert. I make sure he has a mate and then let them put in a SMALL amount of nesting material & be truly committed to the box and then set it, maybe 2 days or so. But you must watch the trap closely after setting it, especially with the TRES around. Any sign of blues there?
I have blues with 3 eggs in a neighboring box that has monofilament and a spoiler.
My concern with this particular box is the TRES had a brood of 6 last year and I’m certain they are preparing to build a nest any old day now. I’m trying to avoid a disaster lime I had a few weeks ago where a HOSP trapped and killed a male blue in the same box.