NE Ridger - 1/7/2014 22:44

Ok, what we built is an S&S controller. Plans are available from the Purple Martin Society here: http://shop.purplemartin.org/S_S_Controller_Plans-details.aspx I'm going to go ahead and encourage people to support them by purchasing the plans from them.

You can download the plans here: http://www.whazsup.com/sands.shtml

This page has suggestions for fine tuning to catch sparrows as well as starlings. http://www.wtc.ab.ca/northernskys/shutter.htm

This is a modification of the S&S fine tuned for sparrows. And, you don't have to support anyone for these plans. Just kill sparrows and he's happy. : http://www.chuckspurplemartinpage.com/spartrap.htm

Detailed instructions for a different type of sparrow and starling trap. Again, just kill those vermin and he's happy: http://www.chuckspurplemartinpage.com/startrap.htm

But, apparently you can just skip the shutter mechanism and still catch some birds: http://www.naturesociety.org/hunt_a1.pdf

To answer a couple other questions: We rarely catch any species other than starlings. The Purple Martin Society recommends placing the traps among buildings near human activity. Starlings and sparrows don't mind people. Most desirable species will avoid nesting too close to buildings with regular human activity and will therefore avoid the traps too.
Unfortunately, wrens don't mind people either. And they are light enough not to trip most of these traps. If they decide to nest in the trap, you either need to take down the trap or kill the wrens. They will not give up as long as they are alive. On the other hand, maybe wrens aren't that desirable either. ;)

I think that covered everything. Any more questions? :)