"New" bonnet-style trap
"New" bonnet-style trap.
BILL TAYLOR, Tucson, AZ.
BONNET TRAP—Brief Set-up and Operational Notes: (1) Hang from suitable limb or bracket and anchor docking lines to tent peg, rebar or suitable stationary ground fixture. Level of trap is adjusted by pulling on docking lines, beginning by shaking out attachment ring which will more or less find its own center. (2) Running lines with small ring should be drawn through guide ring on hanger and attached to operator's release line (not supplied). (3) Fill and place feeder base on Velcro attach points of the Base ring. Best results are when feeder base is identical in design to that on the feeders to which the birds are accustomed. A third eyebolt can be affixed to the attach plate inside the trap for hanging a feeder when the trap is tied and left open for any period of time when not in use. This allows birds to become accustomed to feeding from the trap; a dummy trap can be a useful alternative for extended periods of time. (4) Draw up curtain with skirt attached to a gap of approximately 4" - 5". Release when bird is centered in trap and/or feeding comfortably. The responsiveness of the trap can be enhanced by attaching approximately 6" - 8" of elastic with paper clips or hooks from the weight eyelets to the Base ring. The trap can be operated manually as above, or with a remote release; this has been found useful for conditions where crowds might interfere with trap release lines; and for intermittent or selective trapping. Significant safety and opera tional features of Bonnet Trap include the following: (1) NO wires inside curtain for birds to contact or with which to become entangled. (2) NO hanging feeders to encumber or exacerbate capture (optional). (3) Soft skirt with weight stops minimizing bird strikes on attempted escapes. Also reduces gap when operator's arm is inserted to retrieve bird. (4) Weights EXTERNAL to trap chamber; reduced to 3/4 oz. (20 g) each. (5) Component construction simplifies repairs or replacement of parts and curtain. (6) lnterchangeable skirts allows for a variety of colors and fabrics, and to meet existing adverse conditions, e.g, 3.6 g rattan stiffener threaded through one skirt for wind resistance.
