Sparrow traps continued…

[pleaseeemailme]

The sparrows are bringing in nesting material. With the worm gear it’s much easier to lower and remove. However, in my previous forum question I asked about sparrow traps and received good info. But… are the cavity traps better than ground traps now that they are bringing in material? I’m reluctant because I don’t want to trap a PM and then they are discouraged and leave. I only have 2 pairs right now. Hoping and hoping to get more but dont want to lose what I’ve got.
Stinkin’ sparrows!!!!!

[C.C.Martins]

It is a downfall...cavity traps I mean. Its a bit disruptive to the martins brining it up and down. Yet they forgive quickly. Could let them build, once they stuff the gourd martins won't be able to enter anyway. Then set the trap?
In this case a cavity trap is much better than a ground trap. Each one has its time, ground traps are great in winter or to catch the hungry ones, cavity traps during nesting.
Here is an excellent trap, can be baited with food or the nesting material they bring in and you rip out. Best if a sparrow is in the center compartment:
https://www.purplemartin.org/shop/produ ... rrow-trap/
I don't remember but a pellet gun is out of the question?

[flyin-lowe]

I stop using cavity traps this time of year for two reasons. One, the sparrows often times seem to realize "something" is not right once you place the trap in the cavity and will move on to another cavity, possible attacking martins in the process. Also with SY's arriving and the nesting going on there is a decent chance you will catch a martin, which is not the end of the world, but there is a lot of time spent raising and lowering to check the traps. I use my insert traps before the martins arrive and only keep the cavity with the trap open, so that's the only option they have. Not saying you can't use insert traps this time of year, (sure many people do) but I rely on shooting or grounds traps at this point in the season.
I finally broke down and bought a quality air rile that is capable of hitting sparrows from my house (35 yards). It has been a blessing the last couple weeks.

[Dave Reynolds]

I did the same thing, but had to stop.. I don't know if the Martins got tired of me raising and lowering the rack... But I know I got tired of doing it.. Just like the comments above, the sparrows just seem to know where the trap is, and move on to another gourd. You can ware your self out chasing the Sparrow with a gourd trap.. If you can shoot, then invest in a good pellet gun. (I did). . Good Luck..

Dave

[pleaseeemailme]

Thanks for all replies. I have no problem assassinating sparrows and have tried but they are so darn fast. By the time I get them in my site, they are gone. I ordered the ground trap recommended and will hope to draw them to it. Open to all suggestions what to use for lure. Guessing I should set up a distance from the house?
Off subject…I am 5 years new this season to the PM’s. I’m in RI and only having 2 adult pairs as of now, I am wondering if the subs have already reached this part of the country or is there a chance they may still arrive. I usually have a gang of sub adults right about now but so far none.

[C.C.Martins]

Did you order the ST1? Can use it like the other ground traps, place it where you see sparrows. Iv caught them out in the open, right under a gourd rack and on our covered back patio...where you see them. Sprinkle a bit of white millet around it. Or just white feathers, bits of pieces of nesting material in it, louise chanbers has been raking them in with just strips of cellophane woven in the st1 wire.
If you tear out a nest put some of the material in it, they will want it back.
As far as shooting, they run when we appear. But they come back, so a good hiding place is key. They don't recognise a car as dangerous, shot lots from an open truck window. Open house windows or another sniping spot are good as well.

[flyin-lowe]

Just remember bait trapping is real hit and miss. It isn't uncommon for me to go 2-3 weeks with nothing then all the sudden I'll start catching them, then another dead spell. The best "bait" I ever had was one year I found a baby HOSP fluttering around on the ground that had fledged prematurely from somewhere. I scooped it up and put it in the trap and caught 11 that day. That baby distress call was the ticket.

[Thomas Maddox]

Wait until they lay eggs to put the trap in. They will avoid or move on with just a nest, but can't say no to their eggs!