|
|
|
 The sparrow and starling "net-trap"
by Jean-Louis |
|
|
Bye, bye birdie...
Reader Jean-Louis submitted this great idea for seizing those annoying Sparrows and Starlings (S&S) when they try to invade a "T-14" martin house. With a little finesse you can sneak up and catch them in the act of a nest box "take-over". No more vagrancy, larceny or pilferage when you're armed with the "net-trap". Jean-Louis writes "It may look crude but believe me it works, is easy to use and it's very effective". "Especially, for people who have a hard time raising and lowering their "T-14" martin house." The first order of business? Simply stand back and let the S&S build their nests, it'll take a couple of mornings and by that time, they're quite secure in their new home and comfortable with their antics. Whether messing around in the garden or relaxing with a "cool one", just keep an eye on your "T-14" and you'll know exactly which cavity the pests will enter. After a few seconds, walk over to the "T-14" and place the "net-trap" in front of the entrance. The weight of the "net-trap" and its size makes it easy to handle and keeps it in place. It will wedge itself between the porches and by putting a slight twist on the handle in the right direction, it stays straight with the face of the cavity. Most of the time the S&S will come flying out and wham, right into the "net-trap". They are tangled up in the net and all that's left, is to lower the "net-trap" to the ground in one swift motion. It's quite easy and after you've made a capture, you're free to do whatever you wish with the culprit. After disposal, you're ready to go after the next one. Some hints to help make bird "fishing" more productive… On occasion, the pests don't want to come out and play and normally you'd have to lower the "T-14" to the bottom of the pole. Try a simple "knock" on the pole to wake them up, usually this will send them flying out into the "net-trap". The best time of the day to take action is between the hours of 11 A.M. and 2 P.M when most of the Martins are out feeding, or doing whatever they do when they are away for an extended period. If too many Martins are around, they tend to signal your approach to the S&S. If the martins aren't giving out a warning the S&S seem to have radar for humans and you may be asking how do you "sneak up" without the critters discovering you? The trick is to let them get comfortable for a day or so and then the rest is a "piece of cake". The entire process is accomplished without help and it's so effective; you'll no longer have a fit at the sight of a S&S. Consider them "dead birds a flying" if they dare try nesting in your "T-14". At times, it may require the help of a "look out" when you run into a tricky bird. In Jean-Louis's case, his wife will stand in the window of the house and signal him at the arrival of the tricksters and in which cavity they try to seize. He then proceeds in "stealth mode" and walks slowly from his shed to the "T-14" and does his thing. Thanks Jean-Louis for the original thoughts and pictures! 
|
|
Copyright © 1998 to present Jeffry Blair.
|
