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I just got my VanErt Trap in the mail today for my Gilbertson’s box. It was on back order the past two months as they were out of them. I went to put it in the box, where there was an almost completely built HOSP nest. I emptied out the nest and set the trap. I timed it….FOUR minutes and the red dot was visible. I put the bag over the box and low and behold BOTH the M & F HOSP were trapped! I dispatched them humanely and reset the trap. Talk about success!!!
On another note, my pair of Bluey’s that WAS looking has not nested yet but 3 neighbors (who’s boxes I monitor) have nesting pairs and the old farm house down the street have their regular pair nesting in an old apple tree cavity again!! So I will count this as good news! Hopefully my boxes will get a pair soon as a Male Bluey has been singing his little lungs out the past 4 days looking for a Misses!!
Way to go Rich – I have this happen for sure 2 times and maybe 3 – talk about thrilling!
Have a suggestion for that it’s worth. I believe we were able to catch the pairs because there was a full nest, and possibly an egg. If you emptied the box out I believe it will take a little time to be able to trap a new pair. I would suggest you wait until another male builds a nest and when he gets a mate that is when it is time to set the trap. Without a nest to sort of camouflage the trap it really sticks out like it is not supposed to be there, and the male knows it. You will be checking that trap a lot without a pair already committed to the box – just a suggestion and observation from a lots of years.
Hope your pair of blues get busy; bet they will! My mama laid her 5th egg today and is now incubating, just in time for another freeze Sunday and Monday nights! Hope she can keep the eggs warm.
Thanks Carol! You won’t believe it but within an hour I caught another Male HOSP! TODAY my Blues moved into the Gilbertson. They were back and forth between the slot box and Gilbertson but for the past 3 hours they have been in and out of the Gilbertson. I’m hopeful they will build.
Well, good for you, Rich – your HOSP must be a different breed – whatever works! I am SO worried about my 5 BB eggs. It will be 29 degrees tonight and tomorrow night along with ferrous winds and some rain already. I’m sure in the morning it will be very icy. IF my mama blue stays on the nest they might make it but it will be a long shot.
The southeastern states are having tornadoes right now, so I shouldn’t complain about our wind and rain.
Wow Rich way to go!! Those Van Ert Traps are great! I caught a HOSP (a male) with mine and promptly disposed of him which allowed the bluebirds to take over my nestbox! I took Carol’s advice about buying a Van Ert Trap so very glad I did. They really do take care of those pesky HOSPs!
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