http://www.sparrowsquad.com/feed/? Latest topics Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:47:12 GMT 10 http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/14/84/91/86/sparro14.png http://www.sparrowsquad.com/feed/? http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/is-this-a-female-house-sparrow-t95.htm Paleface
Thanks In Advance!

]]> Community Population Discussion Sun, 25 Apr 2010 03:45:55 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/is-this-a-female-house-sparrow-t95.htm#350 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/is-this-a-female-house-sparrow-t95.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-iowa-t98.htm grosehexe Hello. Here is my story of how I got in to trapping a House Sparrow. One day I decided to start feeding birds. I was dreaming about a cute cardinal on my feeder. So we went up to Menard's and bought a huge bag of seed, I guess like most people I bought the cheapest stuff money can get- a huge bag that had a cardinal on it and was in a white package. It was millet. Somewhere in two months I had a huge flock of house sparrows emptying my tube feeder in an hour. I decided to put less seed in it. ... Introductions Thu, 06 May 2010 17:35:30 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-iowa-t98.htm#362 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-iowa-t98.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/squirrel-aging-t45.htm VS Ryan Many people have problems with these critters when they are managing their songbirds, so this can come in handy when planning a squirrel program. The age of the squirrel raiding your feeders can tell you if they are breeding nearby or other population traits that might help. Cooks and hunters use these guidelines: Assuming your squirrel is not collected on the subway and has no cards in its possession, here are the standard tests for age. None of them are foolproof, so do them all and ... Your Songbirds Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:59:38 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/squirrel-aging-t45.htm#152 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/squirrel-aging-t45.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/trapping-year-round-t13.htm VS Ryan I received this question from our newest member on her introduction thread and thought it would be a good idea to give it it's own space. mikenlinda wrote:Any help with traps or ideas will be most appreciated. I have heard lately that we should have been doing sparrow control all year long even though the martins are only here certain months. Do you agree with that? The answer is yes, I certainly do agree with that. For me, anytime I can trap for sparrows I'm a happy camper but the fact ... Trapping Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:54:51 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/trapping-year-round-t13.htm#21 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/trapping-year-round-t13.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/to-count-or-not-to-count-how-many-sparrows-are-dispatched-t101.htm grosehexe ]]> Community Population Discussion Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:47:12 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/to-count-or-not-to-count-how-many-sparrows-are-dispatched-t101.htm#369 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/to-count-or-not-to-count-how-many-sparrows-are-dispatched-t101.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/the-bluebirds-at-paradise-spring-t100.htm Monty After finally dealing with the wasps in the nestboxes I placed at Paradise Spring --I used wasp killer on them-- the bluebirds are finally checking out the boxes. I thought there was only one pair, but as of yesterday, I distinctly saw two males and two females. And one of the males flew down from a wire, and landed on one of the boxes twice yesterday before I left. It's not too late for both pairs to nest, and I hope they do. Just glad I put that second box down there. General Discussion Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:20:26 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/the-bluebirds-at-paradise-spring-t100.htm#368 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/the-bluebirds-at-paradise-spring-t100.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/the-lone-male-martin-t99.htm Monty On the southside of Wabash --town I live in-- there's a subdivision named South Pointe. In the last year, I've noticed a number of the green and white nice-looking but plastic martin houses going up out there. Fearing the worst I thought, "Starling/sparrow heaven!" Sure enough, one of the houses, closest to the highway, has been infested with sparrows. However, on a recent trek out to the trail, I saw a dark bird gliding across the highway in front of me, headed for the martin house. ... General Discussion Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:14:01 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/the-lone-male-martin-t99.htm#367 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/the-lone-male-martin-t99.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/dealing-with-trapped-non-target-species-t26.htm VS Ryan As mentioned in another post, I trapped a morning dove today (still not sure how it fit itself in the trap). Although I think the dove may be the dumbest bird in the animal kingdom, I enjoy their coos and they pose no problem in my book. Although I wasn't home I was lucky enough to have my wife release the dove for me and send it on it's way. What we all have to remember when we trap is that there are strict laws governing how to deal with protected species. It's sort of like fishing-you ... Trapping Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:27:17 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/dealing-with-trapped-non-target-species-t26.htm#59 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/dealing-with-trapped-non-target-species-t26.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/here-is-what-i-came-up-with-t97.htm grosehexe Unfortunately, I am not having a good nesting season! I had a pair of chickadees nesting. They build a nest and she was about to lay her first egg (which i was waiting for... to put a hole reducer) The house they picked had a big hole allowing HOSP to enter. Despite my 3 day attempts to chase away sparrows, I end up loosing the female chickadee. The HOSP killed her when she was in the nest. And they did not even claim the box after it. I was thinking how to trap them since I had a couple ... Trapping Thu, 06 May 2010 15:58:01 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/here-is-what-i-came-up-with-t97.htm#360 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/here-is-what-i-came-up-with-t97.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/black-capped-chickadees-t46.htm HospHater I really enjoy these little things. I usually have a healthy population but here lately the bees have been moving in and taking over the nest boxes. I usually just spray them down with the hose and then clean the nest box out but does anyone know a better way to keep the bees out? Your Songbirds Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:50:14 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/black-capped-chickadees-t46.htm#160 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/black-capped-chickadees-t46.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/carolina-chickadee-babes-t96.htm Paleface I placed a Hole Guard on the nestobox to protect the CACH from larger birds. It reduces the hole from 1.5 to 1.125 inches. You have to wait to add one until eggs are layed to ensure the Mom has bonded with the nest. I waited and when she left I quickly mounted it. After 3 visits checking out the new thing she entered the nestbox. I took this picture 2 days ago. 3 of 6 eggs had just hatched. They are so tiny! Your Songbirds Sun, 25 Apr 2010 04:11:36 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/carolina-chickadee-babes-t96.htm#351 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/carolina-chickadee-babes-t96.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/chunk-of-hollow-walnut-tree-t94.htm Monty I left a chunk of fairly hollow walnut tree sit in my shed for almost a year --just not knowing what to do with it. I knew, but didn't know how to achieve it. This spring, I sat outside and used a hammer and chisel on it, and hollowed it out even more. Made a floor and roof for it and took it out to the trail. The birds looked at it, but weren't too sure what to do with it. So, I replaced it with a conventional birdhouse and think I have probably have tree swallows in it now. That's strange ... General Discussion Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:02:40 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/chunk-of-hollow-walnut-tree-t94.htm#349 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/chunk-of-hollow-walnut-tree-t94.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-and-some-red-tape-t92.htm trekker Greetings from Savannah. As a new resident here in Savannah, I immediately set about putting up a few nesting boxes on my postage stamp sized lot and added a feeder. So far so good... Lot's of natives at the feeder. The starlings are trying to get into the boxes but I've made the openings small. Had a pair of Carolina Chickadees call one home until this morning and the carnage began... Having kept my area clean of the pests in a more rural setting with hot lead (well actually a well ... Introductions Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:11:29 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-and-some-red-tape-t92.htm#341 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-and-some-red-tape-t92.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/eurasian-tree-sparrow-t93.htm trekker Anyone have thoughts on these? They look a heck of a lot like the HOSP, sound like a HOSP, nest like a HOSP but according to my research on the net, are not as aggressive as a HOSP. If so, I hope I was not putting a lot of lead pellets into them over the years... edit... just looked at their range and it seems that chances of me dispatching an Eurasian Tree Sparrow are pretty slim. General Discussion Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:30:51 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/eurasian-tree-sparrow-t93.htm#345 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/eurasian-tree-sparrow-t93.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/oh-no-a-hosp-t91.htm Woodlandgal For the first time in four years, a male House Sparrow has found our place and has been hanging around the feeding station. DH will be home tomorrow and will try his best to get him. I am afraid he would be a very small target for me. Pat Community Population Discussion Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:24:47 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/oh-no-a-hosp-t91.htm#334 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/oh-no-a-hosp-t91.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-songbird-populations-f8/good-news-on-the-trail-t90.htm Monty Found out some great news on the trail today. Wife went with me so she could "awww" over the deer mice that were in the boxes. Of the four new boxes along 950 S, at least one of them has tree swallows interested. Then, checking and harmlessly-evicting the mice, we cleaned out the other boxes along mom's road. I have four or five pairs of bluebirds claiming boxes and lots of tree swallows. As of today, not one house sparrow! Have my fingers crossed that that continues. And, I caught ... Community Songbird Populations Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:33:15 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-songbird-populations-f8/good-news-on-the-trail-t90.htm#332 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-songbird-populations-f8/good-news-on-the-trail-t90.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/another-site-t89.htm Monty I just "reviewed" another bluebird site, posted by someone on B&B. It is www.bluebirdsforever.com. It's a nice site, but I didn't see any extensive guidelines for dealing with house sparrows. It said, if you find a sparrow nest --and described how they look-- remove it immediately. However, it gave no suggestions for future sparrow problems. And, what surprised me was, the site did mention, "Sparrows may even kill bluebirds just to take over the nestbox." Why that surprises ... General Discussion Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:01:42 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/another-site-t89.htm#331 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/another-site-t89.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/hole-in-the-shed-it-worked-t76.htm Monty I've been watching out the window all morning, watching the hole in the shed, and have seen nothing. I got my workclothes on to go outside and begin building --a friend has commissioned a small bat house. When I stepped out onto the back porch, I noticed the shiney metal door on the starling trap was down, signifying the trap was sprung. Figured it was just a sparrow. Caught a few in it hanging on the shed last year. Went out, but didn't hear anything banging around trying to get out, until.... ... Trapping Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:21:04 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/hole-in-the-shed-it-worked-t76.htm#287 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/hole-in-the-shed-it-worked-t76.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/thanks-ryan-t87.htm Paleface
BTW.....Ryan is my first Guest Poster. He graciously wrote an excellent article on House Sparrows, Starlings, and Cowbirds.

Check it out!

Jean
The Joy of Bird Watching and Living a Simple Life]]> General Discussion Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:05:07 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/thanks-ryan-t87.htm#324 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/thanks-ryan-t87.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/checking-the-trail-t88.htm Monty I went out to check the trail today, and take care of some sparrows. Surprisingly, there weren't any. There were however, lots of deer mice. When I was encouraging them to leave one of the boxes, one of the mice hit my chest as it jumped. When I looked down, it ran into a hole in my jacket. So, like it or not --I didn't care-- I had a black lab and a deer mouse for companions as I finished my rounds. I don't know when the mouse came out or where, but haven't found it in my jacket since. Saw ... General Discussion Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:48:01 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/checking-the-trail-t88.htm#327 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/checking-the-trail-t88.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-kansas-t86.htm margee2 Hello from Kansas. I live 75 miles S of Kansas City. I have a Bluebird trail of 21 boxes & last year had 77 bluebird nestlings fledge. I have had a bluebird trail since 1998 & learned that one cannot have bluebirds & house sparrows together. I wondered what had happened to Monty as didn't see any posts from him on the Reiman bird watching board. Visited it last night & found this great site. Jean, my husband builds my birdhouses for me using the Peterson box plans. We use a l ... Introductions Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:46:11 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-kansas-t86.htm#322 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-kansas-t86.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hi-from-oklahoma-t84.htm Babsi
Barbara]]> Introductions Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:57:21 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hi-from-oklahoma-t84.htm#311 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hi-from-oklahoma-t84.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/birdsandbloomscom-t85.htm VS Ryan For those of you that have removed yourselves from their ranks you would be happy to hear that several of the senior members have left the forum-supposedly. Another conversation came up about invasive birds-this time cowbirds-and several of them took their ball and went home. This is exactly why we are here, to avoid that nonsense. The ones that left because they got offended were the ones that are quick to voice their opinions every chance they get if it promotes their anti-human agenda. ... General Discussion Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:52:22 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/birdsandbloomscom-t85.htm#315 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/birdsandbloomscom-t85.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/bluebird-mealworm-feeder-plans-t47.htm VS Ryan
http://www.box.net/shared/59k8qu3jmp

This came from http://www.help-for-bluebirds.org, a great site for bluebird management.]]> Your Songbirds Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:45:34 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/bluebird-mealworm-feeder-plans-t47.htm#164 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/bluebird-mealworm-feeder-plans-t47.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/the-big-return-t71.htm VS Ryan So once I trapped these last two sparrows the whole colony disappeared. It seems as though my trapping pressure was an act of exclusion as these birds caught on. I left the trap out there for 3 days after the last success and all I saw out there was my loyal village idiot doves. I removed the trap today to see what happened and literally within 5 minutes the entire colony of approximately 30 birds magically reappeared. If you find yourself short of targets I recommend removing the traps ... Trapping Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:09:55 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/the-big-return-t71.htm#268 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/the-big-return-t71.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/ruby-throated-hummingbird-migration-map-t83.htm Paleface
http://hummingbirds.net/map.html

They usually show-up around April 1st here in NW GA. I can't wait! ]]> Your Songbirds Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:37:19 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/ruby-throated-hummingbird-migration-map-t83.htm#309 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/ruby-throated-hummingbird-migration-map-t83.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hi-from-wisconsin-t70.htm Woodlandgal Hi everyone! I have only been familiar with what House Sparrows do to Bluebirds for a couple of years. Thanks to Monty trying to educate people on that old forum, who argued non-stop FOR the sparrow, I had to study up on them. I grew up with House Sparrows on my home farm and had them by the100s it seemed on our farm for 30 years. All I knew was they hung around where cattle were fed eating the grain and crapping on everything. We would shoot a few occassionally , but never made a dent in ... Introductions Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:40:10 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hi-from-wisconsin-t70.htm#262 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hi-from-wisconsin-t70.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/mealworms-vs-suet-mix-t74.htm Woodlandgal
Thanks,
Pat]]> Your Songbirds Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:50 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/mealworms-vs-suet-mix-t74.htm#280 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/mealworms-vs-suet-mix-t74.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-alabama-t59.htm wethereckoning Hey guys, my name is Mark and I'm from Florala Alabama. As you probably know we get alot of songbirds here in southern Alabama and I'd like to keep it that way. I have seen an increase in house sparrows around here lately and I want it to stop. Introductions Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:44:57 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-alabama-t59.htm#205 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-alabama-t59.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/nasty-pigeon-infestation-t82.htm VS Ryan http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/human-interest/pigeon-plague-lands-on-city-mp-campbell39s-office-closed-by-infestation/1771806.aspx]]> Invasive Birds in the News Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:25:53 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/nasty-pigeon-infestation-t82.htm#302 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/nasty-pigeon-infestation-t82.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/the-neighbors-t81.htm VS Ryan Well it is almost inevitable that you will have bird pests inhabiting your neighbors yard it seems. One interesting thing I have noticed is that they don't seem to mind if I work on them in their yard. I have worked with neighbors everywhere that I have lived as well as with many client's neighbors and they have all been willing to let me work. I believe one thing that helps with that is that most people have no idea what I'm talking about so it helps to approach them with confidence and more ... Community Population Discussion Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:23:41 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/the-neighbors-t81.htm#301 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/the-neighbors-t81.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/sparrow-man-in-bristol-t80.htm VS Ryan
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Meet-man-wants-save-sparrows/article-1887977-detail/article.html]]> Invasive Birds in the News Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:18:26 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/sparrow-man-in-bristol-t80.htm#299 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/sparrow-man-in-bristol-t80.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/songbirds-in-the-news-f9/nice-neighborly-story-t79.htm VS Ryan http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100307/FEAT06/303079946/-1/FEAT11]]> Songbirds in the News Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:16:03 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/songbirds-in-the-news-f9/nice-neighborly-story-t79.htm#298 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/songbirds-in-the-news-f9/nice-neighborly-story-t79.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/pigeons-t78.htm VS Ryan
Do any of you have pigeons around your home?]]> Trapping Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:57:22 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/pigeons-t78.htm#291 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/pigeons-t78.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/box-trap-t77.htm Monty I put one of my box traps out last night on a post to let it "pretend" it's a birdhouse. Caught one female sparrow this morning. They don't survive trauma very well. She'd only been in the trap about 20 or 30 minutes, and when I took her out, she died about five minutes later. But, while I was out checking and cleaning my trail, a male sparrow got in the box trap. When I took him out, he was still very much alive. I put him in my repeater with food and water. Hopefully he'll draw ... Trapping Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:09:08 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/box-trap-t77.htm#289 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/box-trap-t77.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/house-sparrowscom-t67.htm VS Ryan I just stumbled across this website while researching the other side’s case: http://house-sparrows.com/usa_n_oz.html You might notice that the author failed to make one mention of the sparrow actually killing nestlings and cracking their eggs. They vilify us in the same way that they claim we vilify the HOSP- with misinformation and omition. The author simply makes reference to HOSPs “driving out” native birds, and then goes on to attempt an explanation that our native species aren’t ... The Good Fight Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:51:52 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/house-sparrowscom-t67.htm#256 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/house-sparrowscom-t67.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/a-new-strategy-t75.htm Monty I wanted to try this last year, but didn't get around to it. Starlings, more than sparrows, always try to find every nook and cranny in a building to get into and build a nest. I hung my starling box-trap on a nail on the side of my shed. I caught one starling and two sparrows. That was great, yes, but I can do better. I wanted to find a way to give the illusion of a hole being in my shed for them to get into, but get caught instead. I found a way! I built a small shelf for the trap to ... Trapping Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:50:05 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/a-new-strategy-t75.htm#284 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/a-new-strategy-t75.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/english-sparrows-in-uk-threatened-t4.htm VS Ryan *courtesy of BBC news- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7738798.stm Sparrow numbers 'plummet by 68%' The house sparrow feeds on insects like aphids during the summer months The population of house sparrows in Britain has fallen by 68% in the past three decades, according to the RSPB. A report by the charity said the paving over of front gardens and removal of trees had caused a big decline in insects that the birds eat. It suggests sparrows are now disappearing altogether ... Invasive Birds in the News Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:41:58 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/english-sparrows-in-uk-threatened-t4.htm#6 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/invasive-birds-in-the-news-f5/english-sparrows-in-uk-threatened-t4.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-songbird-populations-f8/mocking-birds-t60.htm wethereckoning I have a healthy population of mocking birds. All day long in the summer you can watch them in the grass stirrin up bugs and hear them making calls that sound like cell phones and stuff. I try to feed them bird seed but sparrows and starlings seem to eat up all the seed before the mocking birds get a chance. Community Songbird Populations Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:48:57 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-songbird-populations-f8/mocking-birds-t60.htm#207 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-songbird-populations-f8/mocking-birds-t60.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/bats-t39.htm Monty I also have bats. I made a small bat roost box and erected it in my backyard. I don't have a huge colony, but I have a few to entertain me during the summer. One of them is hibernating in my basement right now. General Discussion Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:15:42 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/bats-t39.htm#131 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/bats-t39.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/ventilation-t73.htm Monty A man I work with was telling me today that it was suggested to him not to put the ventilation holes at the top, or not to worry about that, so much as, leaving a space at the bottom. He said he's since, while installing the floor board (having cut it short enough), leaving a 3/8" gap between the back of the floor and the back board. This allows incoming fresh air to rise through the floor and forces the hot air out of the top. I asked him if he uses hardware cloth subfloors to deter ... Your Songbirds Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:17:54 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/ventilation-t73.htm#272 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/your-songbirds-f7/ventilation-t73.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/clipping-decoy-s-wings-t72.htm Bret Hi everyone, I just thought of something that may be of importance to some of you who use traps that require decoy birds. Unfortunately, another fellow sparrow trapper in my area had some animal knock over her repeater trap and the decoy birds were gone the next morning....meaning trap-shy birds. Cats, raccoons, oppossums and even severe wind can easily knock over or flip these traps, so if it does happen, the HOSP can't get free if their wings are clipped. You may even find them nearby in a ... Trapping Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:28:25 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/clipping-decoy-s-wings-t72.htm#269 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/clipping-decoy-s-wings-t72.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-bret-t61.htm Bret Hello Everyone, I'm very glad to have been informed about this great site! It sometimes seems that there aren't many people out there who understand the importance of taking care of our native birds. I have worked with western bluebirds for the past 5 years, and having fledged over 600 since the beginning, I would say that my program with 50 nestbox has been quite successful. I have informed neighbors to be on the look-out for HOSP and have even gotten chain-stores like Costco to bird-proof ... Introductions Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:13:02 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-bret-t61.htm#225 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/hello-from-bret-t61.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/i-did-some-math-t56.htm VS Ryan Based off of averages and theory, I deducted that a flock of 100 sparrows consisting of an average 60% females can reproduce an average of 1400 birds in two years. That number is reduced by 30 for every female that you trap. What this means is you need to trap 47 birds in two years in order to maintain control of one single flock of sparrows. This seems like a small amount doesn't it? It sure is motivating to me, especialy if you have a repeater. Now another thing to remember is that there ... Community Population Discussion Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:32:33 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/i-did-some-math-t56.htm#201 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/community-population-discussion-f4/i-did-some-math-t56.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/hosp-maryland-s-invader-of-the-month-t68.htm VS Ryan
http://www.mda.state.md.us/article.php?i=2502]]> The Good Fight Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:49:17 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/hosp-maryland-s-invader-of-the-month-t68.htm#258 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/hosp-maryland-s-invader-of-the-month-t68.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/squirrel-traps-work-everywhere-t66.htm VS Ryan
]]> Trapping Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:23:01 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/squirrel-traps-work-everywhere-t66.htm#255 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/squirrel-traps-work-everywhere-t66.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/kittens-t65.htm VS Ryan
]]> General Discussion Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:19:56 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/kittens-t65.htm#254 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/general-discussion-f10/kittens-t65.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/exclusion-vs-trapping-t64.htm VS Ryan Pest bird exclusion is a bit of a controversial topic for me and other nuisance wildlife professionals around the country. By using exclusion products successfully you are in essence intentionally relocating the target species. If the target happens to be one of the three unprotected invasive species you have basically contributed to the problem as opposed to helping solve it. When you exclude these birds you are forcing them to take up homes somewhere else. A couple of things can happen ... The Good Fight Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:08:25 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/exclusion-vs-trapping-t64.htm#252 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/the-good-fight-f6/exclusion-vs-trapping-t64.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/trapping-sparrows-t63.htm mitchellres Hello everyone, it was nice to find this website and to find others that feel the same way about these non native pests!! Introductions Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:11:12 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/trapping-sparrows-t63.htm#249 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/introductions-f2/trapping-sparrows-t63.htm http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/deluxe-repeating-sparrow-trap-t62.htm Bret Hi again, I saw that there was a link to this specific trap, but for those of you who do not have it, the Deluxe Repeating Sparrow Trap (www.sparrowtrap.net) is absolutely the way to go. It is my go-to trap on almost any HOSP situation. The price is not terribly expensive, and I think you'll find that once you buy it, it is "worth its weight in gold!" Of course, you will be needing a decoy live sparrow in the trap at all times in order for it to work efficiently. Anyways, if you don't ... Trapping Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:46:21 GMT http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/deluxe-repeating-sparrow-trap-t62.htm#247 http://www.sparrowsquad.com/trapping-f3/deluxe-repeating-sparrow-trap-t62.htm