HOSP attack on my TRES this morning-GRAPHIC photo.

sheila&dwayne · Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:54 am

we had to increase the size to 15/16....

Bernie Nikolai · Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:28 pm

Hi Kathy, from my testing and research....

7/8" tall slot...sparrows cannot enter but tree swallows can

15/16" tall slot...SOME very determined sparrows can get in, but most can't

1" tall slot...most sparrows can enter.

So you will have to experiment for your area and see what is best at your site.

Guest · Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:06 am

I lost 70 - 80% of my bluebird and tree swallow nests/broods/eggs to HOSP every year until last year. I started using Sparrow Spookers and have not lost a single egg or young bird since I began using them. This year I have had two bluebird nests fledge seven young and have three young in a box now. I will fledge more than 60 tree swallows this year. I practice lethal HOSP control, but can only trap at my remote site and can only do so about once per week. I would not even attempt to host bluebirds and tree swallows without a Sparrow Spooker for every box with a nest now (place the spooker after the first egg is laid). You can buy them or build your own for a couple of bucks a piece. Here is a link:
http://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker.htm

The tree swallows don't mind them a bit!

teridickinson · Thu Jun 18, 2009 5:45 pm

KathyF wrote:It took him less than 30 mins to destroy my brood of 5.

Did you see the other thread about using the Spookers? Seems like it works for both EABB and TRES. I'd definitely consider putting spookers on now if you have any remaining TRES nesting anywhere.

KathyF · Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:57 am

Thanks for the info, Bernie - I'm going to switch my nesting pair's door over this weekend, starting with the 7/8" slot. If that doesn't work, I'll enlarge it some.

teridickinson wrote:
KathyF wrote:It took him less than 30 mins to destroy my brood of 5.
Did you see the other thread about using the Spookers? Seems like it works for both EABB and TRES. I'd definitely consider putting spookers on now if you have any remaining TRES nesting anywhere.

Thanks, Teri - yes, I saw the info on the spooker. I'm going to switch them to the slotted door first, then install a spooker after they get accustomed to the door.

Thanks everyone for the information and replies!

An update - I killed the female HOSP and the male left. All that destruction and then he just leaves.

I'll be ready for him when he comes back.