Are you tired of blackbirds taking over your bird feeder? These pesky birds can be a nuisance, chasing away other birds and consuming all the food.
One simple solution to keep blackbirds away is to switch to a different type of birdseed. Blackbirds tend to prefer larger seeds like sunflower seeds, so switching to smaller seeds like millet or nyjer can discourage them from visiting your feeder. Additionally, you can try using a caged feeder that only allows smaller birds to enter, or placing your feeder in a more open area away from trees and bushes where blackbirds like to perch.
Another effective method to deter blackbirds is to use visual deterrents. Blackbirds are highly visual birds, so hanging shiny objects like CDs or reflective tape near your feeder can help scare them away.
You can also try using a fake owl or other predator decoy to make blackbirds think there is a threat nearby.
Understanding Blackbird Behavior
Blackbirds are a common sight in many gardens and can be a joy to watch. However, if you have a bird feeder, you may find that blackbirds can be a bit of a nuisance. Understanding blackbird behavior can help you keep them away from your feeder.
Feeding Habits
Blackbirds are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They will eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruit, seeds, and even small animals like snails.
Blackbirds are particularly fond of fruit, and if you have fruit trees in your garden, you may find that blackbirds are attracted to them.
When it comes to bird feeders, blackbirds will eat almost anything that is available. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, but will also eat other types of seeds, suet, and mealworms.
If you want to keep blackbirds away from your feeder, it’s important to choose the right type of food. Avoid feeding them fruit or anything that is high in sugar.
Aggressive Nature
Blackbirds can be quite aggressive, especially during the breeding season. They may bully other birds and even attack them.
If you have a bird feeder, you may find that blackbirds are dominating it and preventing other birds from feeding.
To keep blackbirds away from your feeder, you may need to take some measures to discourage them.
One option is to feed blackbirds separately from other birds. This can be done by placing a separate feeder away from the main feeder. You can also try using a feeder that is designed to exclude larger birds, like blackbirds.
Choosing the Right Bird Feeder to Keep Blackbirds Away
When it comes to keeping blackbirds away from your feeder, choosing the right bird feeder is crucial. There are several types of bird feeders available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most suitable feeders for keeping blackbirds at bay:
Caged Bird Feeders
Caged bird feeders are designed to keep larger birds, such as blackbirds, from accessing the food. These feeders have a wire cage around them that allows smaller birds to enter and exit, but keeps larger birds out.
Caged bird feeders are a great option if you want to attract smaller birds like finches, chickadees, and sparrows.
Weight-Activated Feeders
Weight-activated feeders are another option for keeping blackbirds away from your feeder. These feeders are designed to close off the feeding ports when a larger bird, like a blackbird, lands on them.
The weight of the bird triggers the mechanism, preventing it from accessing the food. Weight-activated feeders are a good choice if you want to attract a variety of birds, but don’t want to deal with blackbirds dominating the feeder.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are a popular choice for bird enthusiasts, as they are versatile and can accommodate different types of birdseed. These feeders have multiple feeding ports and are designed to keep the seed dry.
While tube feeders can attract a variety of birds, they are not the best option for keeping blackbirds away, as they are easily accessible to larger birds.
Hopper-Style Feeders
Hopper-style feeders are another popular choice for bird enthusiasts. These feeders have a large reservoir that holds the birdseed and dispenses it as needed.
Hopper-style feeders are a good option if you want to attract a variety of birds, but they are not the best choice for keeping blackbirds away, as they are easily accessible to larger birds.
Selecting Appropriate Feed and Seeds to Keep Blackbirds Away
When it comes to keeping blackbirds away from your feeder, selecting the right type of feed and seeds can make all the difference. Here are some options to consider:
1) Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are an excellent choice for those looking to keep blackbirds away. They have a bitter taste that blackbirds tend to dislike, but many other birds love them. Safflower seeds are also high in protein, making them a nutritious option for birds.
2) Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seed, also known as thistle seed, is a small, black seed that is popular with finches and other small birds. Blackbirds are not typically attracted to nyjer seed, making it a good choice for those looking to keep them away.
3) Millet and Milo
Millet and milo are both types of small seeds that are often used in bird feeders. While blackbirds may eat these seeds, they are not typically their first choice.
If you want to use millet or milo in your feeder, consider mixing it with other types of seed to make it less attractive to blackbirds.
Feeder Placement and Protection for Keeping Blackbirds Away
When it comes to keeping blackbirds away from your feeder, the placement and protection of your feeder are crucial. Here are some tips to help you keep blackbirds at bay:
Adjusting Feeder Placement
One of the easiest ways to keep blackbirds away from your feeder is by adjusting its placement. Try moving your feeder to a more open area, away from trees and bushes where blackbirds tend to perch.
You can also try hanging your feeder from a pole or wire, rather than from a tree branch, to make it more difficult for blackbirds to access.
Using Physical Barriers
Another effective way to protect your feeder from blackbirds is by using physical barriers. A dome or netting can be placed over the feeder to keep blackbirds from landing on it.
You can also use a seed catcher to collect any spilled seed, which will prevent blackbirds from feeding on the ground beneath the feeder.
Deterring Blackbirds Away from Your Feeder
If you’re tired of blackbirds taking over your bird feeder and scaring away other birds, there are several methods you can use to deter them. Here are a few effective ways to keep blackbirds away from your feeder:
1) Altering Perch Size
Blackbirds are larger than most other birds that visit feeders, so they require a larger perch to land on. By adjusting your feeder’s perch size, you can make it difficult for blackbirds to access the feeder.
Consider using adjustable perches or shortening the perches to make it more difficult for blackbirds to land on them.
2) Visual Deterrents
Mylar balloons and other shiny objects can be effective visual deterrents for blackbirds. Hang them near your feeder to scare blackbirds away.
You can also try hanging CDs or other reflective objects to create a similar effect.
3) Feeding Blackbirds Separately
If you still want to feed blackbirds but don’t want them to take over your feeder, consider feeding them separately.
Place a separate feeder or feeding station away from your main feeder and fill it with blackbird-friendly food such as corn or sunflower seeds.
How to Attract Other Bird Species While Deterring Blackbirds?
If you’re trying to keep blackbirds away from your feeder, you may be worried about discouraging all bird species from visiting your yard. However, there are steps you can take to support smaller, desirable bird species while still deterring blackbirds.
Attracting Smaller Birds
One way to attract smaller bird species is to offer a variety of food sources.
While blackbirds are attracted to suet and large seeds, smaller birds such as chickadees, cardinals, and finches prefer smaller seeds such as sunflower and nyjer.
Consider offering these smaller seeds in a separate feeder or mixed in with larger seeds to attract a wider range of bird species.
Another way to attract smaller birds is to provide a water source. A bird bath or small pond will not only attract small songbirds but also provide them with a place to drink and bathe.
Creating a Safe Habitat
In addition to providing food and water, creating a safe habitat is essential for supporting desirable bird species.
Keep your yard free of pesticides and other chemicals that could harm birds.
Plant native trees and shrubs that provide shelter and nesting sites for songbirds.
You can also install birdhouses and nesting boxes to provide additional nesting sites for small bird species.
However, be sure to research which bird species are native to your area and what type of nesting box they prefer.
By taking these steps to support smaller bird species, you can create a welcoming habitat for a variety of bird species while still deterring blackbirds from your feeder.
FAQs
Why do blackbirds come to bird feeders?
Blackbirds are attracted to bird feeders because of the abundant source of food it provides. They especially like sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, mealworms, fruit, and suet.
How can I stop blackbirds from eating all the food at my bird feeder?
Use feeders designed for smaller birds that exclude larger birds like blackbirds. Place feeders in open areas away from trees and cover. Use deterrents like shiny objects, predator decoys, and repellents.
What kind of bird feeders keep blackbirds out?
Tube feeders, mesh feeders, platform feeders with weight mechanisms, and feeders with small perches all make it harder for blackbirds to access the birdseed.
Will black oil sunflower seeds attract less blackbirds?
No, black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite of blackbirds. Choose nyjer thistle or safflower seeds instead to deter blackbirds.
How far from a bird feeder should I place blackbird deterrents?
Place visual deterrents like shiny objects, predator decoys, and holographic tape within 1-3 feet of the bird feeder to effectively startle blackbirds.