Have you ever put up a bird feeder and found that your feathered friends are not the only ones enjoying the food? Squirrels, raccoons, and other critters can be a nuisance, but often the biggest challenge is keeping the birds you want to feed from being chased away by other birds. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered! In this beginner’s guide, we will explore some simple and effective tips to keep birds away from your bird feeder so you can enjoy watching your feathered friends without any intrusion.
Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the most common uninvited guests at bird feeders is squirrels. These furry little creatures can be a nuisance for bird lovers as they tend to monopolize the bird feeders, leaving little for our feathered friends. One way to keep squirrels away from the bird feeder is to invest in a squirrel-proof feeder. These feeders come in a variety of designs but typically include a mechanism that prevents squirrels from accessing the food. For example, some feeders have a spring-loaded perch that will close off access to the food once a squirrel’s weight is detected.
Another uninvited guest that may visit bird feeders is bearing. In areas where bears are common, it is important to take extra precautions to keep both the bears and the birds safe. One way to do this is to bring in the bird feeders at night. Another option is to invest in a bear-resistant bird feeder. These feeders are designed to withstand the strength and persistence of bears, typically featuring metal construction and locking mechanisms that prevent the bear from accessing the food.
Overall, it is important to remember that while bird feeders can bring lots of joy and entertainment, they also come with some challenges. By being proactive and taking steps to keep uninvited guests away from the feeder, we can ensure that both the birds and the bird lovers can enjoy the benefits of these simple structures.
Choose the Right Bird Feeder
The variety of bird feeders available in the market can make choosing one a daunting task. However, it’s essential to select the right bird feeder that will not only attract the birds but also keep unwanted ones away. One of the best bird feeders is the tube feeder, which comes with small feeding ports that prevent larger birds from accessing the food. The design of the tube feeder makes it squirrel-proof, ensuring that the birds get the food without interference from squirrels.
A metal cap placed on top of the tube feeder prevents larger birds from landing on it while also protecting the food from the rain. Additionally, the size of the feeding ports on the tube feeder only allows small birds to access the food, ensuring that larger birds cannot access it. This feature is essential as larger birds tend to scare smaller ones, causing them to avoid the feeder. With the right bird feeder, you can create an environment in your backyard that can attract various bird species while keeping unwanted ones at bay.
Choosing the right bird feeder can make all the difference in attracting the right kind of birds to your backyard. Tube feeders with small feeding ports and a metal cap on top are the ideal options as they prevent larger birds from accessing the food while also keeping squirrels away. With the right bird feeder, you can create a welcoming environment for birds, providing them with the necessary nourishment while also enjoying their beautiful presence.
Hang the Feeder in the Right Place
When it comes to hanging your bird feeder, location is key. It’s essential to place the feeder away from trees and overhangs as these are perfect spots for squirrels to jump onto the feeder from. You should also ensure that the feeder is at least six feet off the ground to make it difficult for squirrels to reach it, but still accessible for small birds. Hanging the feeder in the right place will not only deter squirrels and larger birds, but it will also help prevent damage to the feeder and food spillage.
Another consideration when hanging your feeder is the proximity to windows. If you hang the feeder too close to the windows, birds may accidentally fly into the glass and injure themselves. A good rule of thumb is to hang the feeder at least three feet away from windows to minimize the risk of bird strikes. Additionally, avoid hanging the feeder in areas that receive direct sunlight for most of the day, as this can cause the food to spoil quickly.
It’s also important to keep the area around the feeder clean to prevent the build-up of mold and bacteria, as this can harm the birds. Regularly check the feeder and clean it with warm soapy water to remove any mold or debris. By hanging the feeder in the right place and keeping it clean, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for birds to feed and enjoy.
Use a Squirrel Baffle
Squirrels are notorious bird feeder raiders, and they can be difficult to deter. However, the squirrel baffle is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep them at bay. These devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but cone-shaped or dome-shaped models are the most popular. The squirrel baffle is placed below or above the bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole or hanging from the branch.
One option for using a squirrel baffle is to place it directly below the bird feeder. This creates a physical barrier that squirrels cannot climb over or around, preventing them from reaching the feeder. Another option is to hang the squirrel baffle above the bird feeder. This works well for hanging feeders, as the baffle can be suspended from the branch or hook that holds the feeder. In either case, the baffle should be positioned far enough away from the feeder that squirrels cannot jump directly onto it.
The squirrel baffle is a simple and affordable solution to a frustrating problem. They can be found at most hardware stores and online retailers, making them easy to obtain. With a squirrel baffle in place, you can enjoy watching birds at your feeder without worrying about squirrels stealing their food. Plus, the baffle is a humane option that doesn’t harm the squirrels or other wildlife in your yard. By using a squirrel baffle, you can create an enjoyable feeding area for birds, while keeping squirrels at bay.
Try Different Foods
When setting up a bird feeder in your yard, it is important to keep in mind that the type of birdseed you use can attract unwanted visitors. Some common bird seeds, like sunflower seeds, are a favorite for larger birds like bluejays and squirrels. This can cause the smaller birds that you may want to attract to stay away from your feeder. To avoid this problem, try switching to a blend of nyjer seed and safflower seed. These types of seeds are less appealing to larger birds and pests, leaving more food for the birds you want to attract.
In addition to switching to a different type of seed, another option to attract specific birds is to use suet. This high-fat food is especially attractive to woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. By offering suet alongside your birdseed, you can attract a wider variety of birds to your feeder. This is a great way to add some diversity to your birdwatching opportunities.
Overall, trying different foods is a great strategy for keeping unwanted birds and critters away from your bird feeder. By choosing the right types of seeds and offering suet, you can attract the birds you want to see while minimizing the presence of pesky feeders. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the right mix of foods to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy.
Use a Spray Repellent
One effective way to keep birds away from your bird feeder is by using a bird-repellent spray. This method has been tested and proven to work efficiently, especially when all other methods have failed. Bird repellent sprays are safe and harmless to birds, and they can be sprayed directly onto the bird feeder or other nearby surfaces. When you apply the repellent, it creates an unpleasant scent or taste that birds find repulsive, making them stay away from the feeder.
A crucial factor to consider when choosing a bird-repellent spray is the safety of the birds. It is essential to select a repellent that is safe and does not contain any harmful chemicals that could harm the birds. Some bird-repellent sprays contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. Therefore, it is essential to read the labels and choose a bird repellent that is bird-friendly and eco-friendly.
The use of bird repellent spray is a safe and effective way to keep unwanted visitors away from your bird feeder. It is an excellent option to consider if you have tried other methods without success. By using a bird repellent spray, you can create an unpleasant environment for birds, making them stay away from your bird feeder without harming them. However, it is crucial to choose a safe and eco-friendly repellent to ensure the safety of birds and other wildlife.
Conclusion
Keeping birds away from your bird feeder can be a challenging task, as birds are attracted to the food and the feeder itself. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, it can be achieved. Choosing the right feeder is crucial to keep birds away. Opting for feeders that are designed to deter larger birds from getting access to the food, like tube or finch feeders, can be an excellent choice. Additionally, it’s essential to hang the feeder in a place where it’s hard for birds to land on or reach, like hanging the feeder on a tall pole or a tree branch.
Another strategy to keep birds away from bird feeders is using a squirrel baffle. Squirrels can access feeders and waste food or damage the feeder, which also attracts other birds. A squirrel baffle is a device that is placed on the pole supporting the bird feeder, and it prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole. Additionally, trying different foods can also help. Some birdseed mixes are designed to be less attractive to certain bird species. So, experimenting with different blends can help find the right mix that attracts the desired birds and not others.
Lastly, if there are persistent birds that still hang around the feeder, using a bird-repellent spray can be an option. However, this needs to be done with caution as it may be harmful to birds, pets, or other animals. Therefore, it is advisable to use a natural and safe bird-repellent spray. By following these tips, you can keep birds away from your bird feeder and enjoy watching your feathered friends without any surrounding disturbances.
In summary, keeping birds away from bird feeders can be achieved with the right choice of feeder, hanging it in the right place, using a squirrel baffle, trying different foods, and using bird-repellent spray if necessary. These strategies can ensure that your bird feeder is a place of attraction for the desired bird species and not a playground for unwanted guests. It’s essential to choose natural and safe techniques to achieve this, while also protecting your bird feeder and the environment.
