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Hi All,
As winter comes to an early end(75 in PA today), I decided to unplug the hole on my nest box. I had to plug it up(and my other 2 boxes) 2 months ago because House Sparrows were roosting in it and building nests in the winter. Once I plugged the holes and removed the nests, the Sparrows disappeared. Thirty minutes after I unplugged one of the holes a few days ago, a blue bird pair claimed it and have been going in and out for days. Today, the House Sparrows returned. First, the female. Then the male. The blue bird couple returned but left when they saw it occupied by Sparrows. I then opened up the front and left it open. The Sparrows were dismayed but then left and haven’t returned. Any advice going forward would be appreciated. I fear the Sparrows will win the battle once I close the box back up.
Scot, you need to trap & dispose of those HOSP – they will just keeping back. I would close the box up, then when the HOSP have truly claimed it (you will see both male & female go in & out) you need to set the VanErt in-box trap. This has to be monitored very closely, especially if the blues are still around. If the HOSP go ahead & begin a nest is really the best time to trap them. This is a never-ending battle you must be willing to fight to be successful with the blues. If you unplug all the box holes, the blues will still be able to claim one, and you can use the one for trapping the HOSP. This usually works very well, using one box for trapping. Good luck.
P.S. we here in Mid-Missouri had 70+ degrees for about a week or more too but it has turned cold again and forecast is for below freezing one night next week.Thanks, Carol.
The problem is I’m rarely home. I work long hours. I leave early in the morning and return when it’s almost dark. Setting those traps requires monitoring all day long.
Scot, you could try this: http://www.sialis.org/hosp.htm#monofilament If a male HOSP hasn’t bonded with the box it might work.
Gin
Atlanta, GAYou could try a drst-just keep the elevator tied up when you can’t be there to monitor and just use it on weekends
Just a thought
Good Luck
Darrell in KCThat’s exactly what I’m gonna do. I bought a drst, and a couple of van erts, which I’ll use on weekends when I can monitor. Also have sparrow spooners and plan to put fishing line on the top and around the entrance. Thanks for the input.
Scot, please don’t use the spooker until you have a blue egg. The danger is HOSP could become habituated to it and will no longer be afraid.
Gin
Atlanta, GA
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