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Yes, to the doves–that’s how one got caught in my elevator once. Ugh. I don’t replace the food throughout the day. I just do a morning reset and then let things unfold. I do cover at night with the tarp, weighed down with boards, etc. so the bird isn’t frightened to pieces by something predatory. I want the decoy to be healthy–I’m not trying to be cruel. That’s my thinking. Some people move the trap into a shed at night. I don’t have a good spot for that. Some people put the decoy into a separate bird cage that they sit on top of the trap.
If you search online, I saw a video on youtube about a guy who mounted his DRST on the side of a shed or barn so that the birds could hop into the barn. He built a cage-like thing on the inside, too, where he kept food & water. That way the birds hop in at night. And HOSP love a dark spot. Some people build a small wood box and attach it to the long side of the DRST and the birds can go in there at night and during the day. Look on youtube for videos. I was amazed at what I saw. With your property set up, you might be able to do something like this. You’ll figure out what works best for you.
Watch for the arrival of fledged HOSP babies. They are dopey a& go right into the trap, shortly followed by mama. I can always tell when a new “wave” arrives b/c suddenly they’re everywhere!
Thanks, Julie. On the bright side, maybe the doves lurking around (and on top of) the trap make it enticing for the HOSP, as well.
We peeked into the BB house, and there are 3 little ones in there! Haven’t seen any HOSP near the BB house lately. No activity at the wren house, though. We were hoping for house wrens this year.
Still wondering if I chose the best location for the DRST, but will keep it there for now, since I’ve had some catches this week. :-)
Congrats on the catches, you two!! Way to go in ridding the world of a few more sparrows!!! When I hear them chirping at big box stores, that sound is like nails on a chalkboard to me! Horrible birds.
Phillyblues, do you have a bluebird nest? I remember you were waiting, like me.
Stebet, you’re right about the doves. I think any activity at the trap is good, as long as the doves don’t climb into the elevator. I’ll never forget trying to get that bird out of that small space…tortuous for both of us! Congrats on the 3 bluebird babies!! You’re having a great season!
Yes that awful chirp turns my stomach! My empty nest has an egg finally!! Today I checked with no expectations and saw the mom fly out. Haven’t seen her in weeks so I am ecstatic. The weather is finally warming up.
I just replied to your photo on David’s post. Congratulations!!!!! The season has been slow to start, but hooray, it’s going for you!!! Makes me hopeful. Tbh, tho, I’ve never heard the male bluebird sing as much as I have this year. It’s a really sweet little song.
Hi Julie, we tried the bread-in-the-trap idea, which sounded great! Well, it’s not drawing the HOSP in, but is drawing many flies (!). We have a lot of flies here, unfortunately. It probably is not an appealing sight to the HOSP. Not sure what to do next. Have only caught one HOSP in almost 2 weeks now….. :-(
So, I removed the bread, and the flies went away. And then within a few hours I caught a HOSP….! :-) You are right, Julie. It seems that every time I start to feel discouraged, a little guy ends up in the trap…..it’s like clockwork. :-)
You have to figure out your situation. Like with the white bread—doesn’t sound too great with your fly supply! What are the HOSP eating when they’re not at the trap? If there’s another great food supply, they’ll ignore the trap. Since you caught one today, I’d keep the trap out and see what happens. But if you have a long lull in the action (long=whatever it means to you), put it up and wait to try again in late fall when other food is scarce. I don’t put mine out when it’s cold, but a lot of people do with great success. They cover it with rugs or an old blanket at night. You’ll figure it out.
The next time you catch a male, if you’re not catching other ones, leave him in there alone to chirp and draw others in. That’s all I can think of now. Don’t be discouraged. You WILL figure it out!
Okay, found the video link for the trap with shelter box:
This guy super explains how to trap hosp using the DRST. Many great tips! It’s worth viewing. I re-learned some things, too!
I was going through a dry spell. All of a sudden sparrows started invading my yard and seemed to be avoiding my traps. Finally caught 3 males this week with Van Ert. But it wasn’t easy. Nothing is going in the ground trap.
That’s exactly what I do. I swift whack on the concrete sidewalk and they are killed instantly. As much as I hate HOSP’s I am humane as possible.
When I caught mine in the Repeating Trap I would give them a cigarette and blindfold them at dawn.
The Van Ert I get them in a clear plastic bag (to ensure it’s a HOSP, although I’ve only every caught one EABL for which I felt awful and released her immediately unharmed). Once secure in the bag a quick whack on the sidewalk eliminates them.Hahaha! I swear they are everywhere all of a sudden. Another pair out there now trying to setup shop. Awful creatures. Why can’t we figure out what is killing them in Europe and apply it here????
Thanks, Julie! I’m learning that there is no magic method, and that trial and error is the only solution. I really liked the bread idea, though, and may try again.
Yes, they are probably finding plenty of food locally, and don’t need the millet in the trap right now.
I haven’t been leaving the male HOSP as decoys. But I will do that next time, definitely!
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