Sparrow Shutter for the Troyer S&S Controller
One day I decided to weigh the nest compartment down, and see if I could figure out how these Sparrows were escaping. Looking in through the entrance hole, I could see a small gap between the bottom of the entrance hole and the top of the nest compartment. Knowing Sparrows and how quick and powerful they are with their beak, it was easy to see what was happening. When a Sparrow entered the trap, the see-saw was working fine, but the Sparrows are so quick, that they would immediately panic, turn around and fly back at the entrance hole. When their weight left the nest compartment floor, and with their powerful beak, they could lift the see-saw enough and fight their way back out the entrance.
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I then decided to add the shutter, hoping they would not be able to see the day light. As well the shutter may just be enough of a hindrance to stop them from escaping. And guess what? It worked!.... |
Also, by fastening a piece of aluminum flashing to the inside of the traps front cover, around and under the entrance hole, made it impossible for the Sparrow to cling to the side of the wall. Thus keeping their full body weight on the floor of the nest compartment at all times, which allows the see-saw to work at it's full potential.
| The aluminum shutter, fastens to the upper left corner of the aluminum nest compartment, with (3) 1/4" screws or pop rivets. When fastening, keep in mind that the lower right hand circular corner of the shutter, must correspond with the entrance hole of the S&S Controller. After you have the shutter made, it is best to fasten it to the nest compartment with only one screw, then place the see-saw back into the trap, and fasten the front onto the trap. | ) |
| With the nest compartment in the upper position, look through the entrance hole, and make sure the shutter is positioned so it corresponds with the entrance hole. You may have to adjust the shutter a bit in either direction, before fastening it permanently to the nest compartment. The counter weight must also be adjusted to allow for the extra weight added to the nest compartment. | |
This conversion is very easy to install, and I encourage everyone with a TROYER S&S Controller to try it. You will soon find the trap living up to it's full name........ The TROYER STARLING & SPARROW Controller.
I also designed a different holding cage for the controller. I found that the House Sparrows were tending to shy away from the trap when they saw others trapped in the old holding cage. So I made a wooden cage that allowed me to still see the trapped birds from a distance, but would not allow the un-trapped Sparrows to be able to see in. You notice the rear wall of the cage is made of green house corroplast. This allows plenty of light into the cage, but no birds can see in. The hinged front door has ½" hard ware cloth, with an 8" long aluminum hood covering the window. The cage also has a 2" opening on the side for removing the trapped birds easily.
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| click on picture for larger version | ||
If you have any questions about the Sparrow Shutter, or would just like to let me know of your success with it, please don't hesitate to contact me at bobbuskas@incentre.net.
Thanks.....Bob Buskas
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