Birdfeeders

Bird enthusiasts who enjoy yard and garden bird feeders can become frustrated with groups of “bully birds” raiding their feeders, emptying them of food and chasing away more favored songbirds in the process.  The most common bullies include blackbirds, pigeons, grackles, and house sparrows, who are usually seduced by birdseed or suet they can reach easily, whether it is in a feeder or on the ground nearby.

Bully birds are usually larger in size than more welcome guest birds, so try to limit accessibility to feeder ports to smaller birds only.  What you fill feeders with can also be a deterrent to bully birds, who tend to prefer wheat, sunflower seeds, corn and bread.  Try to keep surrounding areas as clear as possible to discourage pigeons.  Finches will be attracted to only nyjer, or thistle, seeds distributed in a hanging tube feeder.  Cardinals, nuthatches, and chickadees prefer safflower seed in tray or hopper design feeders.