How to Keep Unwanted Birds Out of Your Bird Feeder
Want to enjoy the beauty of your favorite songbirds while keeping the undesirable guests away? The key to keeping unwanted birds out of your bird feeder lies in employing strategies like using specific types of feeders, offering select seeds, and creating an environment that favors your desired species.
Understanding the Bird Feeder Dilemma
Backyard bird feeding is a rewarding hobby, but it can sometimes attract birds you’d rather not have around. These “unwanted” birds might include larger, more aggressive species like starlings, grackles, and pigeons, which can dominate feeders, scare away smaller birds, and consume a large amount of seed. Understanding why these birds are attracted to your feeder is the first step in finding a solution.
Choosing the Right Feeder: A Strategic Defense
One of the most effective ways to keep unwanted birds out of your bird feeder is to select the right type of feeder. Different feeders cater to different species.
- Tube feeders with small perches: These are ideal for smaller birds like finches, chickadees, and titmice. The small perches make it difficult for larger birds to balance.
- Weight-activated feeders: These feeders have a mechanism that closes the feeding ports when a heavier bird lands on the perch. Smaller, lighter birds can feed without triggering the closure.
- Suet feeders with cages: These feeders have a cage around the suet cake, allowing smaller birds to reach through the openings while preventing larger birds from accessing the suet.
Seed Selection: Appealing to Desired Species
The type of seed you offer can also significantly impact which birds visit your feeder. Some seeds are more attractive to certain species than others.
- Nyjer (thistle) seed: This tiny black seed is a favorite of finches and other small birds. Larger birds typically aren’t interested in it.
- Black oil sunflower seed: This is a good all-around seed that attracts a wide variety of desirable songbirds. However, it can also attract unwanted species.
- Safflower seed: Many undesirable birds, such as starlings and grackles, don’t like safflower seed. This can be a great option if you’re trying to discourage these species while still attracting desirable birds like cardinals and chickadees.
The table below illustrates which birds are attracted to various seed types, helping you make informed decisions:
| Seed Type | Attracts | May Attract (Undesirable) |
|---|---|---|
| ———————– | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————————————– |
| Nyjer (Thistle) | Finches (Goldfinches, House Finches, Purple Finches), Pine Siskins | None (Highly Selective) |
| Black Oil Sunflower | Cardinals, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers | Starlings, Grackles, House Sparrows |
| Safflower | Cardinals, Chickadees, Titmice, House Finches, Mourning Doves | Some squirrels (but generally less appealing than sunflower) |
| White Striped Sunflower | Similar to Black Oil Sunflower, but often preferred by larger birds; less appealing to very small birds. | Starlings, Grackles, House Sparrows, squirrels |
| Suet | Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Wrens, Brown Creepers, Cardinals | Starlings (using suet feeders with cages minimizes this) |
| Peanuts (shelled) | Blue Jays, Cardinals, Titmice, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches | Crows, squirrels (if not properly protected) |
Habitat Modification: Controlling the Environment
Beyond the feeder itself, the surrounding environment can play a role in attracting or deterring certain birds.
- Provide natural food sources: Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce berries and seeds can attract desirable birds while reducing their reliance on your feeder. This can then reduce competition between the larger and smaller birds at the feeder.
- Remove perching sites: Prune branches and remove other potential perching spots near the feeder to make it less appealing to larger birds.
- Clean your feeder regularly: A clean feeder is less likely to attract unwanted birds and helps prevent the spread of disease.
Patience and Persistence: The Long Game
It’s important to be patient and persistent when trying to keep unwanted birds out of your bird feeder. It may take time for the desirable birds to discover the new feeder or seed, and it may take even longer for the unwanted birds to learn that the food source is no longer easily accessible. Don’t give up!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cheap seed mixes: These mixes often contain filler seeds that unwanted birds love but desirable birds ignore.
- Overfilling the feeder: This can lead to wasted seed and attract rodents and other pests.
- Not cleaning the feeder regularly: This can lead to the spread of disease and deter birds from visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you clean a bird feeder properly?
Cleaning a bird feeder regularly is crucial for preventing the spread of disease and keeping your backyard birds healthy. You should clean your feeder at least once every two weeks, and more often during periods of heavy use or wet weather. Use hot, soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any debris or mold. Rinse thoroughly and allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with seed. A diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) can also be used to disinfect the feeder, but be sure to rinse it very thoroughly afterwards.
What are the signs of a sick bird at a bird feeder?
Sick birds may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including lethargy, ruffled feathers, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes or nostrils, and unusual behavior. If you notice a bird displaying these signs, remove the feeder immediately to prevent the spread of disease to other birds. You can also contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
Are there any humane ways to deter birds without harming them?
Absolutely. The methods described above – selective feeders, specific seeds, and habitat modification – are all designed to deter unwanted birds without causing them harm. Avoid using any methods that could injure or kill birds, such as traps or poisons.
Why are starlings considered “unwanted” birds?
European Starlings, while often beautiful, are invasive species in North America and can be quite aggressive. They compete with native birds for food and nesting sites and can often dominate feeders, preventing smaller, more desirable birds from accessing them.
How can I prevent squirrels from getting into my bird feeder?
Squirrels are notorious for their ability to raid bird feeders. You can try using squirrel-proof feeders, which are designed with cages or baffles that prevent squirrels from reaching the seed. You can also place your feeder on a pole with a squirrel baffle, or hang it from a tree branch with a slick surface that squirrels can’t climb. Offering squirrels their own food source, away from the bird feeder, might also help.
Is it okay to feed birds bread?
While birds may eat bread, it’s not a nutritionally sound food for them. Bread is low in protein and essential nutrients, and it can fill birds up without providing them with the energy they need. Over time, a diet of bread can lead to malnutrition and health problems. It’s best to stick to seeds, nuts, and other natural foods.
What is the best time of year to feed birds?
While you can feed birds year-round, the best times to feed them are during the winter when natural food sources are scarce, and during the breeding season when they need extra energy to raise their young.
How high should I hang my bird feeder?
The ideal height for a bird feeder depends on the type of feeder and the birds you’re trying to attract. Generally, tube feeders should be hung at least 5-6 feet off the ground to prevent cats and other predators from reaching them.
What should I do if I find a baby bird on the ground?
If you find a baby bird on the ground, try to determine if it’s a fledgling (a young bird that has recently left the nest) or a nestling (a very young bird that is still completely dependent on its parents). Fledglings are often fully feathered and can hop around. If it’s a fledgling, the best thing to do is leave it alone, as its parents are likely nearby and will continue to feed it. If it’s a nestling, you can try to locate the nest and gently place the bird back in it. If you can’t find the nest, you can contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
Are there any plants I can grow to attract specific birds?
Yes! For instance, sunflowers will attract goldfinches, while berries like elderberry, serviceberry, and dogwood provide crucial food for many birds. Consult a guide to native plants in your area to identify species that are particularly attractive to birds.
How often should I refill my bird feeder?
Refill your bird feeder as needed, before it becomes completely empty. The frequency will depend on the size of the feeder and the number of birds visiting it. Check the feeder regularly and refill it when it’s about half empty.
Can I attract birds without using a feeder?
Yes! Providing water sources (bird baths), planting native trees and shrubs that produce berries and seeds, and leaving leaf litter in your garden to attract insects are all great ways to attract birds without relying on a traditional bird feeder. This can create a more natural and sustainable habitat for birds in your backyard.