Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Thanks, David..! Any suggestions on where to purchase the pole and baffle?
Yes, the starlings will scatter when I fire the air gun, or even if I just walk towards them. And since they cannot enter the house, it seems like there’s no reason to worry about that as a potential threat.
Hi friends. The opening is 1.5 inches. I’ve seen the starling poke his head inside, but I don’t think he can fit inside. So that’s good. We’ve tried fishing line, and ribbons, and the starlings don’t pay any attention to it.
It might be wise to give up on the Guardian attachment. The female has figured it out, but the male just flutters around the opening, and he gives up.
The BB house is mounted on top of a fence post. I just noticed, elsewhere on this site, that it’s not recommended to do that, and instead the house should be mounted on a metal pole, with a baffle. Is that what you do?
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. :-)
Good advice. Thanks, Julie. I’ve been placing millet on the outside perch, but the doves are going for it. So I have to replace it frequently.
I’ll be sure to leave a female in there, from now on. I’d been removing them at the end of the day, up til now. I suppose you cover the trap at night, when you have a decoy in there?
….looks like I spoke too soon! Three HOSP in the trap today! Removed a male and female, and left a female in there, as a decoy.
Maybe the windy, cold weather was causing a lack of interest…..
Increase in BBs, decrease in HOSP — making the world a better place……:-)
We saw three baby bluebirds in the BB house. Hooray! We thumbtacked a few glittery streamers to the outside of the box, and they flutter in the breeze. Seems to be keeping the HOSP away. Any other ideas to keep the little ones safe?
Also, regarding the DRST. The HOSP seem to be eating the millet that I place on the outside perch, but they are not venturing into the inside perch. :(
No catches all last week….
Advice is welcome….
Hope you are enjoying the beautiful Spring day in PA.Sorry to hear that you’re not not catching much lately, but glad I’m not alone…….
And my expectations many have been a little unrealistic. But I will persevere. The bluebirds are so worth the effort……Good ideas. I’ve got the DRST covered in a trash bag with a bungee cord, but it’s not quite covering the whole thing. Need to get a tarp.
I will look for a location where the HOSP can see it, but where I’m not seen by them. They are so skittish.
I made the mistake of removing a female HOSP, should have left her in there as a decoy. It seems odd that a trapped bird would entice others to go in there (!), but that seems to be what everyone recommends.
Thanks for the encouragement! It’s only been a week or so. Patience is everything.
Thanks, Julie! Do you cover the DRST when it’s raining? Not sure how well untreated pine holds up when it gets wet.
I’m disappointed with my numbers so far. Just 2 HOSP caught, and 1 song sparrow that I released. Any advice on where to locate the trap? (The HOSP like to congregate in a small tree by the front door, so I placed it there. But everytime I open the door, or even just walk past a window, they flee.)
Also, is it possible to DM (direct message) on this forum, or is everything public? I feel like I’m cluttering up the thread with too many questions. :-)
We captured a male HOSP today! Would you recommend keeping him as a decoy, or would you dispose of him, and just keep waiting for a female?
That sounds like a good strategy you’re using. I have a DRST trap, so I’ll need to manually reach in there, and stuff them into the laundry bag.
