![]() ![]() THIS IS MY FAVORITE SPOOKER, and HAS NOT BEEN DEFEATED TO MY KNOWLEDGE.ĭesign #3 using flagging material on a stick or pole. I definitely recommend modifying this so the mylar hangs down from something parallel to the roof.ĭesign #2 (typical) with dowels in a "V" shape, and mylar flapping above and near entrance hole. Intended to function like a Magic Halo, which was developed to keep HOSP away from bird feeders.ĭesign #1 using "T" shape. Mounts on the back of the box/roof edge, uses thick flourescent wire. Sparrow Shield made by Gene Wasserman, sold through the Michigan Bluebird Society. Mounts on the back of the box/roof edge, uses bird scare tape that attaches to a wire circle above the roof. Sparrow Chase r made by Gene Wasserman, sold through the Michigan Bluebird Society. To keep it from spinning, put a little duct tape around the rod where it goes through the white holder. Bluebird landlords were involved in its design. It comes with a roll of Mylar tape that you can cut to size and clip on the horizontal bars. it comes with two mounting brackets so you pop it on the box that is "chosen" as soon as the first egg is laid. The height and spread of the "V" shape are adjustable. This spooker is readily mounted on any style box. See instructions below on how to make a spooker.Ī ready-made, weather-resistant Sparrow Spooker is now commercially available from. For some reason, like monofilament,īut does not discourage bluebirds from entering the box once It will only "teach" the HOSP to accept it (as they will probably overcome their fear to get to their eggs/young.) Then you will lose one of the only tools that usually works to repel HOSP.īut all have material that flaps over the roof (barely brushing it - i.e., when it's not windy they touch the top of the roof), near the entrance Remove the spooker as soon as the babies fledge to encourage another brood AND to avoid HOSP getting used to it, which will destroy the effectiveness of one of the best HOSP-deterrents we have.ĭO NOT USE A SPOOKER ON AN ACTIVE HOSP NEST. If you have two boxes, and HOSP are building in one, and bluebirds in the other, either trap the HOSP, or wait until the first bluebird egg and spooker installation to start removing HOSP nests, to prevent HOSP from moving to the bluebird box before you can protect them. (The female may accept it more quickly than the male - fear of new things tends to be individual and species-dependent.) But try to do it in the morning when it is not too windy, and observe for up to an hour to verify acceptance. If the babies have already hatched and HOSP are in the area, I would recommend putting up a spooker later rather than not all. See discussion on why you should wait till the first egg. If you put it up while eggs are still being laid (they lay one a day, and incubation does not begin until a full clutch), you will have confirmation (with a new egg the next day) that the spooker has been accepted. Timing: Ideally, put the sparrow spooker up after egg laying begins, but before incubation begins to protect unattended eggs, and give the parents more time to accept the addition so incubation is not interrupted (eggs can chill). I had this happen on one occasion on an experimental trail where I was not trapping HOSP.) ( Note: If the only control measures you take are are removing HOSP nests and eggs, it is POSSIBLE that such actions can stimulate extreme aggression and a HOSP may overcome its fear of the spooker. Nothing is guaranteed 100% effective against House Sparrows, but these come close if properly installed after the first egg and removed after fledging. Sparrow spookers are one of the few passive HOSP controls that really work. They are used on active nests of native birds in conjuction with other HOSP control measures. You can't watch the nest 24/7, but a sparrow spooker will protect it for you. They are usually extremely effectiveĮntering a bluebird nestbox to attack eggs, Jump to: Timing | Designs | Instructions | Acceptance by bluebirds | Acceptance by other species | Reported FailuresĪ Sparrow Spooker is put over the roof of a nestbox to deter House Sparrows (HOSP). NOTE: If you have two boxes, and HOSP are building in one, and bluebirds in the other, either trap the HOSP, or addle the HOSP eggs, or wait until the first bluebird egg and spooker installation to start removing HOSP nests, to prevent HOSP from moving to the bluebird box before you can protect them. Remove it (and the used nest) immediately after fledging to encourage another brood, and to avoid HOSP becoming accustomed to it. Install the spooker immediately after the first egg is laid to deter House Sparrow attacks. Quick Tip: Make a spooker so strips of mylar will flutter over the top of the nestbox (Design #2 or #4 recommended). Sparrow Spooker designs and instructions Bluebird and Small Cavity Nester Conservation ![]()
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