This article presents effective strategies for deterring grackles, blackbirds, and starlings at bird feeders. These birds, known for their larger size, flock in large numbers and have insatiable appetites. To get rid of them, the article suggests making changes to the types of feeders, the foods fed to birds, the bird houses in the yard, and performing home maintenance. Different solutions are provided for each season to address the specific bird species present. Recommendations for changing the type of feeders include using tray-less or perches-removable tube feeders, caged tube feeders, and squirrel-proof hopper feeders. As for the foods, it is advised to avoid cheap mixed seeds and instead feed striped sunflower seeds, white proso millet, safflower, Niger seed (thistle), and plain suet. Changing the bird houses involves using entry holes of appropriate size, removing perches, and utilizing metal hole protectors. Lastly, conducting home maintenance includes sealing up holes and gaps in siding and ensuring proper screening of ventilation holes. To further explore these strategies, the article concludes with a YouTube video that summarizes the information and provides additional insights.

Types of feeders

Tube feeders without trays or with removable perches

Tube feeders without trays or with removable perches are an excellent option for bird enthusiasts who want to discourage larger birds, such as grackles, blackbirds, and starlings, from consuming all the bird food. These feeders are designed with small perches or no perches at all, making it difficult for larger birds to land and access the food. Removing the perches entirely can also prevent squirrels from reaching the food, ensuring that it is reserved for smaller, more desirable bird species.

Caged tube feeders

Caged tube feeders are another effective solution to deter larger birds. These feeders are equipped with a wire cage surrounding the feeding ports, allowing smaller birds to enter and dine while thwarting the efforts of larger birds. The cage provides a physical barrier that prevents larger birds from accessing the food, ensuring that it remains available to the desired bird species.

Squirrel-proof hopper feeders

Squirrel-proof hopper feeders are a popular choice for bird lovers who are dealing with not only larger birds but also pesky squirrels. These special feeders are designed with a weight-activated mechanism that closes off access to the bird food when a squirrel or other heavy animal attempts to land on the feeder. This ensures that the food is reserved solely for the feathered friends you are aiming to attract.

Types of foods

Avoiding cheap mixed seeds

While it may be tempting to opt for the most affordable birdseed mix available, it is important to consider the quality of the seeds you are offering to your avian visitors. Cheap mixed seeds often contain a high proportion of fillers such as milo or millet, which are less appealing to many bird species. Grackles, blackbirds, and starlings, however, are not deterred by these fillers and will happily consume them, leaving less appetizing options for the desired bird species. Therefore, investing in high-quality birdseed without fillers will help attract a wider variety of birds and discourage the larger, less desirable species.

Feeding striped sunflower seeds

One effective way to attract a diverse array of birds while deterring grackles, blackbirds, and starlings is to offer striped sunflower seeds. Unlike the traditional black oil sunflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds have a harder shell that is more challenging for larger birds to crack open. This means that smaller birds, such as finches and sparrows, will be able to enjoy the seeds while larger birds may struggle. By providing striped sunflower seeds, you can cater to the preferences of the desired bird species and reduce the likelihood of unwanted visitors dominating your feeders.

White proso millet

White proso millet is a small, round seed that is highly appealing to a wide range of smaller bird species, including finches, sparrows, and buntings. These tiny birds are typically not favored by grackles, blackbirds, or starlings, making white proso millet an excellent choice to attract the birds you desire while deterring the larger, less desirable species. Offering a separate feeder with white proso millet can help shift the focus away from the feeders containing other types of seeds that may be more appealing to the unwanted birds.

Safflower

A tried and true method of deterring grackles, blackbirds, and starlings is to offer safflower seeds. While many desired bird species, such as cardinals and chickadees, are fond of safflower seeds, these larger, less desirable bird species tend to find them less palatable. By providing safflower seeds in your feeders, you can help create a more balanced ecosystem in your yard and discourage the domination of the feeders by grackles, blackbirds, and starlings.

Niger seed (thistle)

Niger seed, also known as thistle, is a favorite of smaller songbirds, such as finches and sparrows. These tiny seeds are high in oil content and provide a rich source of energy for birds, making them an excellent choice for attracting a variety of desired species. Grackles, blackbirds, and starlings, on the other hand, tend to show little interest in niger seed. By offering niger seed in a separate feeder, you can provide a tempting and exclusive food source for the birds you wish to attract.

Plain suet

Plain suet is an excellent addition to your bird feeding arsenal, particularly during the colder months when birds require extra energy to stay warm. Suet attracts a range of bird species, including woodpeckers and nuthatches, while typically being less appealing to larger birds like grackles, blackbirds, and starlings. By offering suet in a dedicated feeder, you can cater to the needs of the desired bird species while reducing the presence of the larger, less desirable birds at your feeders.

Bird houses

Using entry holes of appropriate size

To encourage the nesting of desired bird species and discourage larger birds from taking over, it is important to use birdhouses with entry holes that are suitable for the desired birds’ size. Different species have different preferences when it comes to the size of the entry hole. For example, chickadees and wrens prefer smaller entry holes, while larger birds like bluebirds require larger holes. By selecting birdhouses with appropriate entry hole sizes, you can attract the species you want and deter the larger, less desirable birds from competing for nesting spots.

Removing perches

Perches on birdhouses may seem like a convenient addition, but they can actually encourage larger birds, such as grackles, blackbirds, and starlings, to take over the nesting box. These larger birds often use the perches as a resting spot, which can lead to the exclusion of smaller, desired bird species. To create a more welcoming environment for the desired birds, remove the perches from the birdhouses. This will discourage larger birds from using the birdhouses as their own and give the smaller birds a fair chance to claim the spaces.

Using metal hole protectors

One challenge faced by birdhouse owners is the damage caused by larger birds, such as woodpeckers, to the entry holes. These birds sometimes enlarge the holes to gain access to the nests, preventing smaller bird species from using the birdhouses. To combat this issue, consider using metal hole protectors. These protectors are designed to prevent woodpeckers and other large birds from damaging the entry holes, ensuring that the desired bird species can safely nest without interference.

Home maintenance

Sealing up holes and gaps in siding

To prevent unwanted bird species from entering your home or creating nests in undesirable locations, it is crucial to seal up any holes and gaps in your siding. Grackles, blackbirds, and starlings are skilled cavity nesters and can exploit even the smallest openings. By carefully inspecting your siding and sealing up any potential entry points, you can minimize the likelihood of these larger birds finding a way into your home.

Ensuring proper screening of ventilation holes

While ventilation holes are essential for maintaining optimal airflow in your home, they can also provide an opportunity for unwanted bird species to gain access. Grackles, blackbirds, and starlings are notorious for seeking out such openings to build nests. To prevent this, make sure that all your ventilation holes are adequately screened. Using mesh or wire screens with small openings will allow air to circulate while keeping birds out.

Seasonal presence of different bird species

Spring migration

During the spring, many bird species embark on their annual migration, making it a particularly exciting time for birdwatchers. Different bird species have different migration patterns, and their arrival at your feeders can vary. However, it is essential to ensure that your feeders are ready to meet the needs of these migrating birds. Providing easily accessible feeders with a variety of seeds and removing any obstacles that may hinder their access can help attract and support these weary travelers as they pass through.

Summer nesting

Summer is a critical time for birds as they search for suitable nesting sites to raise their young. To encourage nesting, it is important to create a welcoming environment in your yard. Providing nesting boxes and houses with appropriate entry holes can help attract desired bird species and provide them with a safe place to construct their nests. Additionally, creating distractions away from your feeders, such as birdbaths or flowering plants, can divert the attention of larger birds and prevent them from monopolizing the food sources.

Fall migration

As summer turns into fall, many bird species begin their migration back to warmer regions. Attracting and supporting these birds during their journey is crucial. Using feeders with metal hole protectors can help deter larger birds and provide a safe haven for the desired migratory species. Additionally, offering high-energy foods like suet can help replenish their energy reserves as they continue their long journey.

Winter visitors

Winter brings its own set of unique challenges for birds, as they struggle to find food and maintain body heat in the harsh conditions. Providing squirrel-proof hopper feeders can help ensure a consistent food source for winter visitor birds. These feeders are designed to keep larger birds and squirrels at bay, ensuring that the smaller winter visitor birds have access to the food they need to survive. Offering suet feeders can also be beneficial, as the high-fat content provides a much-needed energy boost for birds during the winter months.

Solutions for spring migration birds

Making feeders less accessible

To accommodate the different feeding behaviors of migrating birds, it can be helpful to make feeders less accessible to larger birds. As grackles, blackbirds, and starlings are often aggressive and dominant at feeders, ensuring that smaller bird species have a fair chance to access the food is crucial. Adjusting the height of the feeders, using baffles or cages, or placing the feeders in a more secluded area can help discourage larger birds and create a welcoming environment for spring migrants.

Using feeders with removable perches

During the spring migration season, it may be beneficial to use feeders with removable perches. This allows you to control the size of birds that can comfortably access the food. By removing the perches altogether or adjusting their length, you can prevent larger birds from landing and accessing the feeders, ensuring that the smaller, migrating birds have an abundant food source to sustain them on their journey.

Offering larger seeds

Another tactic to cater to the needs of spring migration birds is to offer larger seeds that may be more appealing to them. While grackles, blackbirds, and starlings may still attempt to feed on these seeds, their larger beaks may make it more challenging for them to crack open and consume the seeds. This can give migrating birds a better chance of accessing the food before the larger, dominant birds take over. Consider incorporating larger seeds like sunflower hearts or peanuts into your feeders during the spring migration season.

Solutions for summer nesting birds

Providing nesting boxes and houses

During the summer nesting season, many birds are actively searching for suitable nesting sites. By providing nesting boxes and houses in your yard, you can attract desired bird species and create an inviting habitat for them. Select birdhouses with appropriate entry hole sizes for the desired species and position them in strategic locations. Offering a variety of nesting options can help accommodate different bird preferences and increase the likelihood of successful nesting in your yard.

Creating distractions away from feeders

To deter larger birds from monopolizing your feeders during the summer nesting season, it can be helpful to create distractions away from the feeding areas. Providing birdbaths, shallow pools, or offering flowering plants can redirect the attention of larger birds, allowing smaller, desired species to access the food sources without interference. This method not only provides an alternative food source but also enhances the overall appeal of your yard for a wide range of bird species.

Planting bird-friendly landscaping

Another way to attract nesting birds and create a bird-friendly environment is by planting landscaping that appeals to their needs. Native plants that bear berries, seeds, or provide ample cover can be especially appealing to birds during the summer season. By incorporating these plants into your yard, you can provide additional food sources and nesting materials, making your yard an even more attractive habitat for the desired bird species.

Solutions for fall migration birds

Using feeders with metal hole protectors

Fall is another critical time for bird migration, and providing a safe haven for these traveling birds is important. Using feeders with metal hole protectors can help deter larger birds, such as woodpeckers or starlings, from disrupting the nesting activities of desired migratory species. These protectors prevent larger birds from enlarging the entry holes and stealing the nesting sites from smaller, migrating birds, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to find suitable shelter.

Offering high-energy foods

Fall migration can be physically demanding for birds as they travel long distances and rely heavily on energy-rich foods to sustain themselves. To support these birds during their journey, it is beneficial to offer high-energy foods such as suet or mealworms. These food options provide a concentrated source of nutrients and can help replenish the energy reserves of migratory birds, ensuring that they have the strength to continue their journey.

Creating a protective environment

Fall migration birds often appreciate a protective environment where they can rest and refuel before continuing their journey. Providing dense shrubs, trees, or other forms of cover can create a safe space for tired and vulnerable birds to rest and regain their strength. This protective environment can also serve as a haven away from larger, more dominant bird species, allowing the migrating birds to feed without disturbance.

Solutions for winter visitor birds

Using squirrel-proof hopper feeders

During the winter months, it is important to provide a consistent food source for the winter visitor birds while minimizing interference from larger birds and squirrels. Using squirrel-proof hopper feeders can help achieve this balance. These feeders are designed with mechanisms that prevent squirrels and larger birds from accessing the food, ensuring that the smaller winter visitor birds have uninterrupted access to the essential nourishment they need to survive the harsh conditions.

Offering suet feeders

Suet feeders are a valuable addition to your winter bird feeding setup. The high-fat content in suet provides an excellent source of energy for birds during the colder months when food sources may be scarce. Winter visitor birds, such as woodpeckers and nuthatches, are particularly fond of suet. By offering suet feeders, you can attract these species and provide them with the nourishment they need to endure the winter.

Maintaining a consistent food source

Consistency is crucial when it comes to providing food for winter visitor birds. During the colder months, it can be challenging for these birds to find enough food to sustain themselves. By consistently offering a reliable food source, such as a well-maintained feeder filled with high-quality seeds, you can become a reliable food provider for these winter visitors. This consistency will not only ensure the survival of these birds but also increase the likelihood of their return to your yard in future winters.

Summary video

Information overview

The summary video will provide an overview of the types of feeders, foods, birdhouses, and home maintenance tips discussed in the article. It will highlight the importance of understanding the seasonal presence of different bird species and offer various solutions for each season to attract desired bird species while deterring larger, less desirable ones. The video will emphasize the significance of providing a consistent and suitable food source for migrating and winter visitor birds, as well as creating a welcoming environment for nesting birds.

Additional insights

In addition to summarizing the main points from the article, the video will provide additional insights and tips for bird enthusiasts. It may explore unique nesting behaviors of specific bird species, offer interesting facts about migratory patterns, or provide guidance on creating bird-friendly landscapes. This section of the video aims to provide viewers with valuable and engaging information to further enhance their birdwatching experience.