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Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 13:13
From: Larry Zapotocky <larryz22@hotmail.com>
To: BLUEBIRD-L@cornell.edu
Subject: New Monofilament InfoI wanted to get the word out about a new monofilament technique on Bluebird nestboxes that I have been using, and it seems to be working. I wanted to share it with everyone I could so the monofilament experimentation can continue and that maybe there could be a successful way to finally deter house sparrows (HOSP).
I originally tried the monofilament fishing line technique as shown at <http://www.zbzoom.net/~mripple/mdrive/bluebird/bb_hosp.html>. This technique worked temporarily, but the HOSP eventually figured out how to get in. I added monofilament to the roof of the box, but again they hesitated for a while and then got in. After being discouraged, I read more info on the mono technique and read of some people using taut and loose monofilament line on purple martin houses. So I decided to devise a way to place the mono on the nestbox that looks very confusing and distracting. That is when I came up with the way that is shown in the attachment.
In the beginning I was nervous because I wasn't sure if the Bluebirds would accept it. I was thinking that they might try and find a different location, but I was wrong. So far the Bluebirds have had no problem adapting to it. They initially were very curious to what it was. They did bump into it a few times, but once they figured out how to negotiate it, they flew right in (which took all of 10-15 minutes). In no time the Bluebirds were flying in and out like it wasn't even there.
At this point, there have been no House Sparrows claiming either of the two nestboxes in my yard (knock on wood). I have seen them fly over to the box, get confused and then fly off. It almost seems that they can't figure out how to get in or they get confused. The real test will be at the height of the breeding season. I hope this method continues to work. Last year I caught 13 HOSP, 9 males and 4 females in "Huber Traps." Before I put the mono on the nestboxes this year, I caught 1 male and 1 female. Since the placement of this new loose and taut mono, I have had no problems with HOSP. I guess the only true test will be time itself.
NOTE: The measurements on the drawing are just what I decided to start out at. There may be other ways to adjust the monofilament to deter the HOSP.
Again, if anyone has any suggestions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks again,
Larry Zapotocky
E-mail Barry about this webpage.
The Bluebird Guide website