How to remove starlings from nest box trap

[Lewis]

I have a nest box trap that PMCA sells that works great for catching starlings. I don't have a sparrow problem so I drilled the escape hole so blue birds can escape. My problem is I have let some starlings escape using a plastic bag approach. If I don't get the bag positioned just right they can sometimes find an opening.

How do you 'all use this trap?

Lewis

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

PMCA sells different kinds of traps, but anyway, here is what I do:

I stick my arm inside the trap (making sure that there is no empty space around my arm using a towel or something to fill any space), and grab them. They bite a little but they never hurt me.

If you have a round hole in the trap, you may try putting a large jar with a large lid over the hole, and hope that they fly into the bottle or jar

To insure that none escape, I take the trap into a small room, close the door tightly, and then catch the starling. If he escapes, I still can catch it inside the small room

[Jim Rockford]

I use a pair of heavy work gloves, not so much for the biting, but the pooping!

I have one of the nest box traps with the round hole and the cover that slides to open the hole. I use my left hand to reach into the trap as I slide the cover open with my right. I use my right hand to seal the hole so the bird doesn't escape. Sometimes the bird will go up high in the trap so it can be tough to reach it.

I'm always very gentle catching the bird. Several times, I've pulled out bluebirds, and I certainly don't want to hurt them.

Ed

[Craig Haddox]

I also use a glove. I have never been bit but they scream like a baby when I pull them out

[Tim Stover]

red ryder BB gun one shot to the head is the way i do it

[MamaBruff]

Lots of good ideas here. New SS nestbox trap this year. I am unsuccessful in the "stick in your arm" approach, so improvised something that has worked 100% so far for me....

I cut the bottom out of a 3# Folgers coffee plastic container, and slip a heavy duty gallon size ziplock bag over the end, and duck tape in place. So when I slip the open end over the escape hatch, I am ready. Swing open the round hole cover and the bird flies " into the light". I have the lid with me if needed, but generally am able to grasp the bird through the plastic bag. So far I have caught 5 HOSPs. They did not suffer but an instant.

I have also heard of some folks who cover their box with a white mesh laundry bag to catch the bird from the trap. I tried it, and found the clear plastic bag to be a more enticing exit to the trapped bird.

Now if I could keep the BBs out! I must have Young or Stupid BBs that keep going into my trap! Silly things, there are 5 other BB nestboxes (variety of materials) on the property, pick one of them!

[Lewis]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the coffee can approach. Looks like you could replace the lid make a small hole and use it to fumigate. Like Emil I take my box into my shop and close the door. If one escapes rat shot will do the trick.

Lewis

[john e]

Has anyone painted your nestbox white? I'm not catching very many starlings and was wondering if painting it white would help? I use a light work glove and just reach in.