If a nestbox cannot be equipped with a starling resistant entrance
design because of the requirements of the desired species, control of
starlings is the only practical alternative in my experience. I trap
and control starlings at my home and at other locations where I have
installed artificial cavities for the benefit of native secondary cavity
nesting birds. A standard nestbox trap properly placed and monitored
to prevent harm to protected species, will eliminate the cavity seeking
starlings in the area around your nestbox project. Control of European
Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in
conjunction with nestbox projects is a necessity in some environments
and is endorsed by wildlife agencies both public and private. Several
types of traps are available from the online catalogue at
www.purplemartin.org Please feel free to contact me if you have any
related questions, comments, or observations.
Stan Kostka Arlington Washington