Starlings. Those sleek, iridescent birds that can quickly overwhelm your bird feeders, leaving little for the smaller, more desirable birds. Frustrating, right? But don't despair! There are many effective ways to deter starlings from your feeders without harming them. This guide offers proven strategies to reclaim your feeders for the intended guests.
Understanding the Starling Problem
Before we dive into solutions, let's understand why starlings are such successful competitors. They are highly adaptable, intelligent birds, and they're incredibly social. This means they'll readily exploit any easy food source, often out-competing smaller, less aggressive birds.
Why Starlings Dominate Feeders
- Aggression: Starlings are assertive and will aggressively chase away smaller birds.
- Numbers: They travel in large flocks, quickly depleting feeders.
- Adaptability: They readily eat a wide variety of seeds and foods.
Effective Strategies to Deter Starlings
Now, let's get to the practical solutions. These methods focus on making your feeders less appealing to starlings while still attracting the birds you want to see.
1. Choose the Right Feeder
Weight-activated feeders are a popular choice. These feeders only open when a lighter bird lands, preventing heavier starlings from accessing the seed. Look for feeders specifically designed for smaller birds.
2. Adjust Seed Type
Starlings are less fond of certain types of seeds. Consider using:
- Nyjer (thistle) seed: Requires specialized feeders with small ports.
- Sunflower chips: Larger pieces are harder for starlings to manipulate.
- Suet: While starlings can eat suet, many prefer seeds. Offer suet in a cage feeder to restrict access.
3. Strategic Feeder Placement
- Placement: Position feeders away from perches and cover where starlings can easily land and observe.
- Height: Consider hanging feeders from higher branches or using long poles to make access more difficult for starlings.
4. Employ Deterrents
- Visual Deterrents: Shiny ribbons, reflective tape, or plastic owls (though their effectiveness is debated) might startle starlings initially.
- Auditory Deterrents: Ultrasonic devices claim to deter birds with high-frequency sounds, but their efficacy varies.
5. Cleanliness is Key
Regularly clean your feeders to prevent the build-up of spilled seed, which attracts starlings and other unwanted birds.
Combining Strategies for Best Results
For the most effective results, combine several of these strategies. For example, using a weight-activated feeder with nyjer seed and placing it in a high, exposed location significantly reduces the chances of starling domination.
Patience is a Virtue
It's important to remember that it may take some time and experimentation to find the perfect combination of methods that work best for your specific situation and bird population. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Persistence is key to creating a bird-friendly environment that prioritizes the smaller, more desirable birds you want to attract.
Remember, the goal is to deter starlings humanely, allowing them to find food elsewhere while providing a haven for the other birds you enjoy watching in your backyard.
