Sparrows chasing my Martins

RickLe · Fri Mar 27, 2015 6:23 pm

Well, on March 24 two pairs arrived for my 12 gourds and I took the entrance clip off when I saw these welcome folks. Then sparrows came out of the bushes and chased the Martins off. A day later I'm back (I do not live here so it's every other day), and I checked the gourds-pulled three full sparrow nests to the ground. And Martins are gone

I would like help here...need to get rid of sparrows. Neighbors called the sherif for shooting a 22! Got a couple but help? Any ideas on traps?

TJ · Fri Mar 27, 2015 7:03 pm

I use a ST1 Sparrow Trap.......just use feathers.
If you use feed it will also trap other birds but down type feathers will only attract House sparrows

threelilkids · Fri Mar 27, 2015 7:05 pm

There are lots of traps you can use. I went on the PMCA and got the trap that fit the house and gourds I have also I use the sparrow that I catch in the house trap and put him/her in the Blaine's trap that I have, others follow in the Blaine's trap and one become lots

You still need to put seed in the Blaine's trap. They are smart you have to keep at it. I put a trap in the house an make the hole size smaller so as not to catch a Martin. Good luck it is an on going battle until you get Martins then the Martins take over an run the sparrows off.

This is what I do everyone uses other methods, find one that works for you.
Mary

RickLe · Sat Mar 28, 2015 6:32 am

Thank you-I just bought at PMCA

Gene Scherrer · Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:40 am

I use a PCP( pre-charged pneumatic) pellet rifle to kill the sparrows. It is very quiet and deadly accurate with a scope. I shot about 50 of them last year and had martins landing on my T-14 without any harassment by mid-summer, but it was too late for them to nest. Check Pyramid Air to see the rifles.
Gene

Fireflyfisherman · Sat Apr 25, 2015 12:01 pm

I second Gene. Air rifles are a great way to deal with S&S, especially if you can't shoot shotguns or 22s (we live in the burbs). My RWS Dianna is an S&S slaying machine. HOSP are the worst. Good luck. Kill them all.

Conrad Baker · Sun Apr 26, 2015 10:59 am

I don't know how close your "neighbors" are, but even a regular pellet rifle will be a little loud, if it is a piston type rifle. As Gene Scherrer stated, the PCP is probably the most quiet, and you could shoot it all day without anyone knowing it. It is extremely accurate, able to shoot a 5 shot 1/2 inch group at 50 yards. The problem is the cost. The rifle will cost about $500.00 (look at the Benjamin Marauder), and another $100 to $200 for a decent scope (Hawke makes excellent air rifle scopes). Then you will need a filling source, like a scuba tank ($200), or a Carbon Fiber tank ($600). The full tank will last you a good while, but then you will have to get it refilled, about 10 to 20 dollars.
I would suggest a .22 or .25 cal pellet rifle. You will be capable of taking longer shots with the heavier caliber, and it will be more effective against the nuisance birds.
If you have neighbors like me (they called the health dept because they found bird poop on their driveway), then shooting anything might have them calling the Police.
Good Luck in whatever you decide to do to control the Sparrows and Starlings. It is a full time job, but the PM are worth the effort.

RickLe · Mon Apr 27, 2015 7:59 am

I did get the trap and have nailed over a dozen. I have a great pellet rifle scoped in and that works well too. I'm on a lake in a rural area but have a crazy neighbor a couple doors down who calls the sheriff!
That was when I was using a 22, so with the pellet rifle, I've compromised. We now have four nesting pair of Martins and very little Sparrow intrusions in my gourds! Thanks all.

KathyF · Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:55 am

Rickle - good job - I've added suggestions for trapping here on my blog:

http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com/2015/02 ... s-for.html