Repeating trap caught mockingbird

lucyth · Mon Mar 05, 2012 4:20 pm

I have a PMCA repeating trap I put out today first time this year. I checked it all day and nothing. Then five minutes ago checked it and had two HOSP and a mockingbird all in less than an hour. Of course I let them all go but now I'm concerned. Any suggestions to keep the mockingbird from coming around again? I baited it with millet and torn up pieces of bread. I'd seen the mockingbird eyeing the trap earlier so it wasn't just a fluke he went in there. We're in a drought and I don't know if maybe that made the bait more attractive than it might have been. I've used the trap a couple of years previously and never caught anything but sparrows. I'd appreciate any advice-- the way he was flailing around in there he could have hurt himself and I'm lucky he didn't, but now I'm scared to put it back out unless I can ensure it's not going to happen again.

Louise Chambers · Mon Mar 05, 2012 4:25 pm

Try just the bread. I'm thinking the mockingbird will be smart enough not to go into the trap again - good thing you kept your eye on the trap, which is an important key to operating one safely.

jeffwilliams72 · Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:09 pm

Why did you let the HOSP go?

Matt F. · Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:53 pm

jeffwilliams72 wrote:Why did you let the HOSP go?

Hi Jeff.
I have that same trap. Unfortunately if you have a mixed bagged captured, once you open up the release door, it's very hard to try to keep the sparrows corralled, without possibly further traumatizing the good bird(s) you're trying to set free.

jeffwilliams72 · Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:55 pm

OK thank you Matt, now I understand.

Louise Chambers · Mon Mar 05, 2012 7:17 pm

We have a removal technique that usually lets us get just the bird(s) we want out - say we are reducing number of HOSP in trap.

Get a large towel and a clear plastic bag (produce bags from grocery store work well). Cover end of trap with door with the towel, and move trap up onto table or work surface where it's easier for you to work.

Unlatch the door but keep closed - towel needs to cover entire back of trap with door. With clear bag on your hand, like a glove, reach up into door from bottom of door. Use your other hand to block the entrance while your bagged hand reaches in, towel falling below back of trap, so HOSP don't see daylight and head for it. They will try to get as far as possible from your hands, but as they jockey around you should be able to reach them.

A second person can help, handling the towel and helping to cover door while you reach inside. Only cover back and a bit of trap top, you need to be able to see which birds you are grabbing, etc. Usually works!

Tim Stover · Mon Mar 05, 2012 8:45 pm

i use redryder bb gun shoot hosp. release the good guys

RC Moser · Mon Mar 05, 2012 8:56 pm

YOu think he was mad, wait till you catch great crested fly catcher. They scream bloody murder before you approach the cage

lucyth · Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:10 am

So you all think I'm safe putting the trap back out, just using bread this time? I was afraid the good bird might actually hurt himself while in the trap. Is that not a concern? Heading out now to try again!

Don Strickland · Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:42 am

I've caught lots and lots of good birds and have never had one injure himself in the trap. Just carefully catch and release.
Don

Guest · Tue Mar 06, 2012 8:33 pm

The mocking bird is a sucker for the traps. I have caught lots of them over the years, and one year I caught the same bird at least 6 times. Never hurt any mocking bird or cardinals.
Try baiting with bread and stick a few feathers in to attract the H.S.