12 



In setting a funnel trap a place should be selected where sparrows are 

 accustomed to assemble. Often there are several such places m a neighbor- 

 hood, in which case it is advisable to move the trap daily from one of 

 them to another, because the birds appear to associate the locality rather 

 than the trap with the distress of their imprisoned comrades. Canary 

 seed, hemp seed, wheat, oats and bread crumbs are excellent baits. The 

 bait should be scattered in the antechamber and first funnel, and also, 

 sparingly, outside about the entrance. A live sparrow kept in the trap 

 as a decoy will facilitate a catch. In case native birds enter a trap they 

 may be released without harm. Trapping may begin at any time after 



Fig. 6. — Pattern for second funnel of a trap to be 36 by 18 by 12 inches. 

 (After Biological Survey.) 



young sparrows are able to take care of themselves, which is usually by 

 July 1. Each day's catch should be removed from the trap at nightfall, 

 and if a decoy is used it should be comfortably housed and otherwise 

 cared for when off duty. 



In removing sparrows from either a funnel or a sieve trap the receiving 

 box shown (Fig. 9) will be found useful. It should be about 6 inches 

 square and 18 inches long, inside measurement. The door, hinged at 

 the bottom and turning inward, is controlled by the part of its wire frame 

 extending through the side of the box to form a handle. The box as it 

 appears in the figure is ready to be placed before the open door of a trap 

 from which birds are to be driven.^ 



> Dearborn, Ned, The English Sparrow as a Pest, U. S. Dept. of Agr., Farmers' Bulletin 493 

 1912, pp. 17-20. 



