El cheapo starling decoys

[Loki_762]

About a week ago, I came across some mini Halloween crows in the local dollar store, and thought I could probably make them into starling decoys.  So I bought 5 of them, and tonight I dug up some paint and a silver Sharpie from my wife's craft box and got busy.   Will they work?  I dunno, but if they don't, I'm out 5 bucks.  If they do, then they are the cheapest decoys ever, and a heck of a bargain.  I may just go pick up 7 more to make an even dozen.  If they not so good, I'm still only out $15, tops.  Anyhow, here's what I started with, as well as what I ended up with.  Hopefully I can try them out this weekend!
Chris

[limbshaker]

Hahaahahaha thats awesome!! Heck of an idea! That looks great! Keep us posted on how they work. I'll have to make me some if they do the trick for sure.

[56chevy]

I bought some of those a few weeks ago, I painted the beaks but am going to have to steal your sharpie idea. They work good and for a dollar apiece their a good investment. A word of caution I have a redtailed hawk that is used to cleaning up after me when I pest and well I had 8 of these cheapos now I have 7

[mtbdrew]

Nicely done and thanks for the idea.

[Mebits]

Guys, they work. Trust me. Just remember to bring them in at night. The critters chew on them.

M

[cbourbeau32]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[vinenator]

who else, besides AG nuts would try to ATTRACT starlings!!

just need a HOSP decoy and the stage is set.

[Loki_762]

who else, besides AG nuts would try to ATTRACT starlings!!

just need a HOSP decoy and the stage is set.

Yeah, no kidding!  I've done a number on the HOSPs and rats around here, but there are still plenty of starlings!  Just gotta convince them that landing in my yard is a good idea!
Chris

[Habanero69er]

I bought some of those a few weeks ago, I painted the beaks but am going to have to steal your sharpie idea. They work good and for a dollar apiece their a good investment. A word of caution I have a redtailed hawk that is used to cleaning up after me when I pest and well I had 8 of these cheapos now I have 7

That's funny. A buddy of mine at work put a rubber mouse on the end of the line of his fishing pole. He was casting it out into the grass about 20yds & a hawk can down & nailed while he was reeling it in. It was a toss up who was more surprised, my buddy or the hawk that snagged a mouse with monofilament up it's butt! 

[Gtownjake]

Great idea!  I'll have to try this.

BTW, I've seen this before on other threads and I have to ask, what does HOSPs stand for?

[jettaglikop]

Great idea!  I'll have to try this.

BTW, I've seen this before on other threads and I have to ask, what does HOSPs stand for?

House Sparrow

Great job on the decoys! Let us know how they work out!

[Bicycleman]

Great idea!  I'll have to try this.

BTW, I've seen this before on other threads and I have to ask, what does HOSPs stand for?

Jake, this might help ---> http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=51866.0

[vinenator]

Of course it is illegal to capture any raptor just about everywhere, but back in the day, one method was to cover a small wire cage with snare loops of strong mono fishing line. dozens of them. then, a small critter is placed into the cage. the cage is anchored to the ground and  when the raptor lands on the cage to try to get the prize, the mono would get entangled on its talons, trapping it. the trappers would then rush out, cover the  bird in a dark bag and then could proceed to remove the mono loops.

this was back when it was legal to capture them for training. now you need more permits and licences than i care to consider.

i was out with my telescope one summer day taking photos of chickadees feeding under a small pine tree. all of a sudden there is a commotion and i take my eye away from the camera to see what had happened. there, alone under the pine tree was a raptor, not sure what species, but it came out of nowhere and nailed one of the birds. i, and the birds never saw it coming.