Bird sign

[SouthernCross]

Birds shouldn't be overlooked as a food source when out in the bush.

Whilst there have been some recent posts on trapping them, this post is intended to offer some suggestions on what to look for when deciding where to set the trap/snare.

The first and most obvious sign is collections of droppings. A popular roosting spot will invariably have a collection of droppings underneath it.

Other likely roosting sites include stumps that will allow the bird to keep an eye on its surroundings.

Whilst on the topic of bird droppings, keep a look out on grassed waterside banks. Ducks like fresh green pick and the presence of larger numbers of duck droppings will indicate the area is frequented by ducks and worth setting a snare or two.

Also wading birds will often leave a series of tracks along the bank of the water course they are patrolling. Another good location for a snare.

Wading birds can be easily identified by their longer spread toes without the webbing (like ducks and other paddling birds have).

Hope this helps give some ideas of what I look for when setting traps/snares for birds.


Feel free to add any other indicators you use :thumbup:


Kind regards
Mick

 

[plumberroy]

I have always thought an air rifle and a supply of pellets you can feed yourself on small birds they could be roasted over a very small fire on small skewers like bamboo skewers for shish kabobs with little noise and a hard to see fire
Roy

 

[ADD]

A trick confederate era soldiers used was to soak bread crumbs in booze they had handy and throw out for the pigeons to eat (or whatever species was available).

After the birds were groggy and lost some balance the soldiers could throw a make shift net over them or catch them by hand.

Mmmm... roasted bird breast. :thumbup:

Me?
I think it was alcohol abuse.

 

[Evolute]

Southern Cross,

You trap/snare and eat shags, herons, and cormorants?

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day Evolute

Southern Cross,

You trap/snare and eat shags, herons, and cormorants?

I've eaten shag and cormorant before (very fishy :thumbdn. Both wouldn't be my first choice, but if hungry enough and they were available.....

Both bird pics were included more as an illustration of a couple of roosting sites / indicators, rather than a specific recommendation of species

IMO, grain eaters are the best eating :thumbup:

BTW, I use the structure of a birds knees to trap them. As they can't walk backwards, if you lead them with a trail of food into a narrow dead end trench or corral where they can't turn around or spread their wings they are trapped.



Kind regards
Mick

 

[halo2]

Great thread. The corral you describe is used to trap ruffed grouse among others. Good info.