Sparrow Spooker on PM Barn

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MSchmohl
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:58 pm
Location: MO/Kearney
Martin Colony History: 2015: 5 pairs, 16 babies fledged

I am wondering if a Sparrow Spooker will spook my PMs, if I were to put two on the sides of my PM barn? It has been a never ending battle to keep the HOSP out of my PM barn. Every time I trap the 3-4 HOSPs that are attempting to nest in the PM barn, another one shows up a couple days later. I made a Sparrow spooker by attaching silver metallic ribbon to an embroidery hoop and mounting it above my BB box. It has worked wonderfully to keep the HOSP away form the BBs and their eggs/babies. Today I saw three PMs hanging out on top of the BB's Sparrow spooker.

Has anyone had success with a Sparrow spooker at their PM site?
2015 - First year landlord, 10 PMs (4 ASY and 6 SY); 16 babies fledged
2016 - Second year - currently waiting for PMs to return
Matt F.
Posts: 3978
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:48 am
Location: Houston, TX

I think that's a great idea.
It stands to reason that as effective as they are at keeping house sparrows away from Bluebird houses, that they might be just as effective on Martin houses.
The closest thing I've seen, was a Martin landlord using small pieces of monofilament near the entrances.
There are Bluebirders that claim strategically placed monofilament in various places on Bluebird houses, helps to keep house sparrows away as well.
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