Sparrows, for those that do not know, are vermin of the sky.
They are non-native, overproduce like the Octomom, and are generally mean, sneaky, murderous sons-of-bitches.
They must die. All of them.
Which brings me to this email...
Czabe,
Long-time listener, first-time emailer. Love the show.
On Friday you mentioned a new sparrow trap in use at The Monogamous Compound. I also fight the good fight against sparrows here in central Indiana. I keep several bluebird houses, and the sparrows are a deadly nuisance that must be dealt with.
I've been using the repeating trap for a few years, with moderate success. But I'm always on the lookout for a better gadget. What is this new trap, and where can I get more info?
Thanks,Well Eric, I have your answer below, but first let me catch everybody else up to speed first.
Eric Dollar
If you want the primer on just how bad the so-called "English House Sparrow" is native songbirds, read this summary of how they respond to being "forced out" of their nests, or otherwise "gently encouraged" to go elsewhere.
They don't take the hint. And it just pisses them off.
The sparrows became increasingly "frustrated" and started flying to other sections of the house; they were looking for another more "productive" nest site. They battled with the martins on a number occasions, but the martins successfully repelled the sparrows. During this time, I managed to shoot the female sparrow, but the male was too smart and never allowed me to get close enough. At this point, the male sparrow started a one bird campaign to destroy as many of the martin nests as he could. I remember coming home from school and finding a number of white martin eggs, some with large embryos inside, scattered underneath the house. He had wiped out 2 nests that day. The next morning I saw him fly out of another martin nest with a white egg in his beak. For the next several weeks, that one male sparrow destroyed 8 martin nests and around 50 eggs! He even destroyed the eggs again of 2 pairs that had renested! He seemed to be possessed with a desire to eliminate all martin eggs in the house. I tried to shoot him and by then I had installed a Trio sparrow trap on the martin house pole. He was clever and never went near the trap, though I did catch several other sparrows that had shown an interest in the house. Only 2 pairs of martins in that 18 room house, ones where both male and female faithfully guarded their nests ALL the time, succeeded in raising young.
So my first order of business was to purchase a high power, high quality pellet gun with a strong scope. I took at least an hour, dialing in the crosshairs to as precise as I could get, mounting the gun on a stable workbench for extra accuracy.
One day, in a matter of minutes, I plugged two of these bastards with rather amazing 20-30 yards shots.
I thought: "this is gonna be easy!"
It was not.
For one, I realized I had likely wandered into two pretty damn "lucky shots" that day. Because I had trouble replicating my sniper success. For another, I started to notice that the sparrows wouldn't let me get ANYWHERE close enough to line them up for a shot.
So that method of control took a back seat, and I ordered a "repeating" sparrow trap that looked like a wire box. It worked pretty good at first, landing me about 6-8 sparrows.
But there were multiple problems.
1. The box also ended up catching a variety of "nice" birdies like cardinals and such. I released them without harm, but it was still not what I prefer.
2. You have to reach your hand in the box and grab the sparrows yourself. Sometimes, depending on how frisky they are, this can take 10 or more minutes each.
3. You then have to kill the sparrows by hand. Somehow. I read the purple martin website's "officially approved" methods of "humane" killing. It said you should stay away from all of the "fun" methods (i.e. smashing with hammer, blender, drowning, etc.) Boo. They said the most humane was is to put the sparrow into a light mesh bag, and whip it around in a circle real fast, before WHAM! Slamming it into the pavement, for instant death. Okay, whatever. Pain in the ass.
4. Most importantly, I noticed a real decline in the number of trapped sparrows after a while. Being how sneaky they are, I don't doubt they had become "wise" to the danger, and just stayed away entirely. Plus, with my abundant other bird feeders, they had plenty of other "dining" options.
5. Lastly, the big problem with the repeater box, is that I couldn't reliably use it during the week, where I am gone at work all day. If other birds got in there, they might die or be killed by sparrows before I come home.
Well, I am happy to report, a new "killer weapon" in this battle may have arrived.
Say hello to my little friend, as Tony Montana would say.
The "New Universal Sparrow Trap."
This beauty has been just SLAYIN' sparrows since I started using it on one of my houses. It fits right inside an existing "nest box" in a 12 room house I have, and I have caught 5 sparrows now in a little over 3 weeks.
I found a sparrow nest inside a "double apartment in the house. One where there is a "foyer" box, so to speak, and then you turn "left" into the sparrow nest of straw.
Knowing sparrows lived there, I just put this bad boy in the "foyer" and sure enough, BOOM! Caught and killed the pair nesting there in a matter of 2 days.
So I put it back in there, thinking: "Hmmm. Maybe somebody else will try to take that nest." Sure enough.... BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Three more males, all with in a 2 week span. And with this sucker, it's a simple "blub blub blub" to the bottom of the Home Depot orange bucket of water. Humane or not, dead is dead. At this point, I just don't care.
Sadly, I see MORE sparrows starting to arrive in the yard. My dad thinks it's just hopeless. He says that more will arrive from the surrounding barns here in the country, and see a relatively un-crowded market for housing and try to move in.
He might be right.
But I don't care. The fight will continue.
>>>>>>>>>
And if you STILL doubt the bad-assed-ness of the seemingly innocent "sparrow", then why did the USAF name their best air-to-air missile, the AIM-7 Sparrow?
Hmmm.....?
"Death to Sparrows: A New Hope - Understanding the Controversial Initiative"
In recent times, there has been a growing controversy surrounding an initiative known as "Death to Sparrows: A New Hope." This initiative, which aims to address perceived issues related to sparrow populations, has sparked passionate debates among environmentalists, scientists, and the general public. In this unique and informative article, we will delve into the details of this controversial campaign, exploring its origins, goals, potential consequences, and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
The Origins of "Death to Sparrows: A New Hope"
"Death to Sparrows: A New Hope" is a movement that originated in response to concerns about the population of sparrows in various regions. Proponents of the initiative argue that an overabundance of sparrows can have negative consequences, such as damaging crops, spreading disease, and displacing other bird species.
The name of the initiative, which echoes the famous "Death to Sparrows" campaign in China during the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962), has raised eyebrows and generated controversy. The original Chinese campaign involved mass killings of sparrows, resulting in unforeseen ecological consequences, including a surge in insect pests and crop damage.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of "Death to Sparrows: A New Hope" is to reduce sparrow populations in specific regions where they are deemed to be causing problems. The initiative outlines several key objectives:
Crop Protection: Proponents argue that reducing sparrow populations will help protect crops from damage, potentially improving agricultural yields.
Disease Control: Some proponents suggest that sparrows can transmit diseases to humans and other animals, and reducing their numbers may mitigate this risk.
Species Diversity: It is believed that sparrows' dominance in certain areas can negatively impact the diversity of other bird species. By decreasing sparrow populations, proponents hope to create space for a wider variety of birds.
Urban Environments: The initiative also addresses issues related to sparrows in urban environments, such as nesting in buildings and creating unsanitary conditions.
Criticism and Concerns
"Death to Sparrows: A New Hope" has faced substantial criticism and concerns from various quarters:
Ecological Balance: Critics argue that attempts to control one species without a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics can lead to unintended consequences. The historical example of China's "Death to Sparrows" campaign serves as a cautionary tale.
Ethical Issues: The initiative's name and approach have raised ethical concerns, with many people questioning the morality of intentionally killing sparrows.
Alternative Solutions: Some argue that alternative solutions, such as habitat management and the promotion of natural predators of sparrows, should be explored before resorting to lethal measures.
Scientific Basis: Critics question whether the claims about sparrows causing significant agricultural damage or disease transmission are supported by robust scientific evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some alternative solutions for addressing sparrow-related issues?
Alternative solutions may include providing nesting alternatives, using scare tactics to deter sparrows, and promoting natural predators like hawks and owls.
What ecological roles do sparrows play in their ecosystems?
Sparrows serve various ecological roles, including seed dispersal, insect control, and being a food source for predators.
Has there been any successful implementation of the "Death to Sparrows: A New Hope" initiative?
The success of the initiative is subjective and may vary depending on the region and the specific goals set by proponents.
What can individuals do to help sparrows and other bird species?
Individuals can contribute to bird conservation by providing birdhouses, maintaining bird feeders, planting native vegetation, and supporting organizations dedicated to bird protection.
Are there any historical precedents for similar campaigns aimed at controlling bird populations?
Yes, historical campaigns, such as the "Death to Sparrows" campaign in China and efforts to control starlings in the United States, have been controversial and faced ecological consequences.
"Death to Sparrows: A New Hope" is a contentious initiative that has sparked debates over its goals, methods, and potential consequences. While there are concerns about sparrow populations in certain areas, addressing these issues requires a nuanced and science-based approach that takes into account the broader ecological context.
Ultimately, the fate of sparrows and the success of initiatives like "Death to Sparrows: A New Hope" will depend on a balanced and well-informed discussion among scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and the public. It is crucial to consider the potential ecological, ethical, and practical implications of such initiatives before implementing them on a large scale.
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