controlling sparrows and starlings

it is the biggest headache landlords face

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Congratulations on a job well done Kyle

PMC is privileged to share Kyle's PDF report on "Becoming a better person in the community". Kyle works hard to develop his leadership skills and is a great asset to his community. By building his second Martin house and helping the Martins, he hopes to make the world a better place.

another beautiful house

Very nice, thanks for the pictures- Maurice C., Canada

beautiful house, well done

Another great T-14 ready to go up. I bought the plans from you a couple of years ago and finally got around to building it. Quite a project, thank you. This should last for many, many years. I timed it perfect. As I was cranking up the house I saw the first scout circling overhead.

- Allen, Ocoee, Florida

That's if you want your colony to grow and thrive. If you don't control these non-native predators, chances are your colony will have problems that will turn away potential Martins and scare off existing ones. This means your chances for raising Martins is very slim.

Both sparrows and starlings were brought over from Europe to North America and their population grew in such prolific numbers they became an immediate threat to native birds. Considered predators to the Martins and other song birds as well, and because they are not protected by law, sparrows and starlings can be legally trapped and destroyed.

There are several ways in which to deal with this common landlord nuisance. A good target pellet rifle, or any rifle for that matter, can be used to shoot them. (Use extreme caution when using any firearm and make sure you know where the bullet will hit, even if it misses the target.) They both have keen observation skills and seem to understand when the gun is pointed and ready to terminate their existence. It is not easy to get a good shot but, on occasion one can do it. Trapping methods seem to work the best. I have had great luck using nest box traps, repeating ground traps and house traps. A combination of everything is best, a full arsenal available in the war against these obnoxious creatures.

Some people would like to think it's a good idea to trap and then take the birds 20 miles away and let them go. It's not a good idea because they'll make it back to your house before you do. Many people cannot justify destroying these predators. I can understand this well and have no suggestions to the dilemma. If you don't eliminate the sparrows and starlings, they will severely diminish your chances of being a Martin landlord. I can tell you from a personal stand point that my thinking changed when I found one of my female Martins killed and her nest robbed and then destroyed. It is a very personal issue that only you can decide, I wish you luck.

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