Trimming HOSP Wing Feathers
Once the HOuse SParrow (HOSP) is trapped its feathers can be
trimmed. The best way to trap it is to use an in-box trap. If the HOSP
adopts or likes a box, it becomes easy to trap it. HOSP are very difficult
to catch by hand after they are trapped, hence special methods are needed to
remove them from the trapping box.
First get a large clear plastic bag (I use shredder bags I
buy from "Office Depot" used for paper shredders they sell.) Also have a
pair of scissors ready. Put the bag over the box so the box is all the way
into the bag. Put one hand (and arm) inside the
bag, the other hand is used outside the bag to "gather" the bag around your
arm and the mounting pole. Make sure there are no gaps for the HOSP to
escape by holding the bag tightly! Now open the door of the box (all the
time keep the bag closed tightly so no openings can form.) The HOSP will fly
right out, fluttering a lot against the bag. Be careful not to get scared or
surprised, keep the bag closed tight, the bird will not escape. Now catch it
with your hand. It may try to bite you, but besides a little pain it cannot
harm you. Once you have it in your hand, make sure to hold it firmly. Now
take it out of the bag, spread one wing out, carefully count four outermost
feathers and trim them near the major coverts (these are #7,8,9, and 10 in
the picture shown.) Turn the bird around and similarly cut the other wing
primary feathers. Now let it go. It will fly as if nothing happened, or it
may fly a little lower than usual, either way, the job is done. [If the
trapped bird is not a HOSP, be sure to let it go at once. In-box traps
should be inspected often to make sure no bird is trapped for a long time. I
check mine at least every hour, often I just wait a few minutes and I see
the HOSP getting into the trapping box.]
HOSP with shortened primary feathers cannot maneuver as well
in flying and in fighting with other birds, so they tend to live peacefully
with this handicap. In six months, they will molt and will get new feathers.
Most probably they will also move away. If not, then the same process is
repeated, just once each year. With practice you will be so good at trapping
them you will get any of them in less than 15 minutes...
In years of using various methods, this method works the
best for me. Each year I have raised between 25 and 30 EABL (Eastern
Bluebirds) around our house without killing any HOSP. The HOSP becomes quite
friendly, even perches next to the parent EABL with no fighting. It seems
somehow the EABL know the HOSP is friendly and they do not chase it away!
Fawzi Emad, femad fpemad com
Laytonsville, MD
