Repeating Sparrow Trap

ACK, I put up the repeating sparrow trap in The Bluebird Chatter ...

Not only do I have the sparrow spooker up on my nest box where four bluebird eggs are being incubated by Mrs. Blue, but I also bought the repeating sparrow trap.  I set it outside on top of a tomato cage that wasn't being used for tomatoes and today when I came home, two Tufted Titmouse birds and one Cardinal were trapped and completely frantic.  I ran to it and put my hand in and carefully grabbed them one by one and let them go.  The poor things were panting from the heat, and frantic because of being trapped and then me catching them.  I felt TERRIBLE.   The stupid sparrow was sitting on my fence when I went out there.   That is why any trap should be monitored very closely,You are very lucky no birds died.I would put the trap away until fall,You have a spooker on the box ,the Sparrow shouldn't go near it.I have had many boxes with spookers on them,with sparrows around.I usually don't worry about them entering a box with a spooker.It is very rare for a sparrow to pass by a spooker.If you really want to trap him,put up a dummy nest box,with a 1-3/8 hole with a inbox trap.mount that box higher then your other box,but don't mount it too close to your active bluebird nestbox.If you do decide to mount a trap box,you MUST monitor it every 15-20 min.while the trap is set.Good luck and try not to worry too much.
Donna,. Is this your first time of trapping a native bird?  I'm sure they are fine. I'm not gone for long periods of time, normally but am sure I've left the trap out when I have been accidentally.  Here's some other suggestions.  Do you have food and water in your trap?  I use little hook container that you put in a pet bird's cage. And you could a piece of wood or something on one end of the trap to give it some shade. I would think those 2 things would really help both to keep your decoy alive and help if you accidentally trap a native bird.  And as mentioned turn it upside down or tie the arm up with a twisty tie if you are going to be gone for an extended time. It must not get as hot here, because I really don't worry about it too much. 
Yes it is the first time I have ever set out a trap.  I wasn't thrilled with the whole concept but I am doing what I think I should to help the bluebirds.  Since the spooker is up, and it was said that it should be enough, I have put the trap away for the time being.

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