Gourd Sponge Painting

[airborne]

We sponge-painted about 25 gourds last October, and increased our birds by about 20. We sponge-painted some green, some brown, and some (believe it or not) blue. All of the blue ones have nests. We left some unpainted, and some solid color spray-painted, none of these were taken.
We used a painting sponge and acrylic paint, which has no smell, from Walmarts' hobby dept. To apply - put a little paint in a coffee can lid and dab it on the gourds. It will last longer than mud does. We do not have tunnels or srehs, only round holes. We aim to make it easy on the birds.
You can see my painted gourd pictures at:
www.airbornebirds.spaces.live.com

Incidentally (off subject), to Mary D. - we are chasing your sparrow record - we have killed 78 since last Sept. - all but 5 with six Spar-O-Dors on the bottom floor of a Trio Castle. The 5 were shot with the Feinwerkbau rifle.

Airborne

[wyatt]

Very nicely done! They're beautiful. I may have to try that.

Wyatt

[Guest]

I really like the looks of those gourds. Also, nice rifle you got there.

[Guest]

You're gourds look great! Would this help me attract martins to a new site? I still trying to attract my own and wonder if this would help.

[Guest]

I like the colorful display. There's no telling what the martins will like!

- Steve

[airborne]

michalecj, it wouldn't hurt to try it on one or two of your gourds. It worked for us. Be sure and use craft acrylic paints as they don't smell and dry quick.
Airborne

[Mary Dawnsong]

Incidentally (off subject), to Mary D. - we are chasing your sparrow record - we have killed 78 since last Sept. - all but 5 with six Spar-O-Dors on the bottom floor of a Trio Castle.
Airborne

I LOVE to hear about Spare-O-Door success and I sincerely hope you exceed my numbers!!! Spare-O-Doors are magic at my site. I trapped a pair yesterday and a single female today. My average is about one House Sparrow a day April through June.

My best, Mary