Winged Wednesday - Feeder Pests

Many people add bird feeders to their lawn or garden in hopes of attracting a splash of bright color, some wildlife, and perhaps in hopes of hearing a spring tune as sung by a Northern Cardinal or American Goldfinch. However people often find, as we did, that getting the birds you want is not always easy. Feeder pests may include anything which frightens song birds away or anything which takes over the feeder preventing the desired birds from eating.

Common Feeder Pests include:

1. English House Sparrows
2. European Starlings and other Blackbirds
3. Squirrels
4. Hawks
5. Neighborhood Cats

House Sparrows pose two problems for native song birds attempting to feed. First they descend in large numbers, and second they are bullies. They will attack native birds both at feeders and in nests or nest boxes. They do very well in areas of human habitation and will eat human leftovers or use them as nesting material. If you want to attract native birds to your feeders, you need to prevent a House Sparrow invasion. Avoid wild bird feed seed mixes. Most of these seed mixes are filled with cracked corn, millet, and other fillers; excellent sparrow food, not so good song bird food. Be mindful of the feeders you use, House Sparrows often need somewhere to sit or perch while feeding. They are generally not clingers. For example, they enjoy peanuts but are more likely to eat them from a tray feeder than from a metallic mesh tube with no perches. You can also disturb or remove House Sparrow nests as they are not protected because they are invasive.

Starlings are also an invasive species which may take over feeders in large numbers. If given the chance, they can eat you out of house and home. Follow the plan above for preventing House Sparrows, and you're feeders should remain relatively Starling free. These birds can also be disturbed as they are invasive. Other blackbirds such as Brown Headed Cowbirds or Red Winged Blackbirds are native and should not be disturbed. Generally if you do not have millet or cracked corn, they will avoid your feeders. They also require some perching space.

Squirrels and other mammals like raccoons may take interest in bird feeders. The best means to protect feeders from mammals is with careful placement and the use of baffles. Be mindful of power lines, fences, and tree limbs; if the critters think they can make the jump, they will certainly try. Baffles are often made of metal. They come in many shapes and can be mounted above or below a feeder. They are designed to block a mammal's path. Note they can be used in conjunction with birdhouses as well.

Hawks are a particularly tricky matter. Cooper's and Sharp-Shinned Hawks will target feeders as hunting grounds. You have two choices. Take your feeders down long enough for the raptors to find other hunting grounds, or let nature take its course. You can also help even the odds by providing good shelter for birds. Dense grasses and wildflowers, shrubs, evergreens, and trees all help give the song birds a fighting chance.

Just like hawks, cats may come to your yard looking for a meal. Keep your feeders high, baffled, and provide some cover for the birds. Keep the ground area near your feeder well mowed and open so that the cats can be spotted.

Keep in mind that many of these animals are quite adaptable and surprisingly clever, so be vigilant and adaptable yourself, and happy birding.

Squirrel Coming to our Feeder

Blackbirds on our Feeders - Clever Grackle