Solutions to Common Bird-Feeding Problems

Lack of Birds

During spring and summer the diet of many of our seed-eating feeder visitors shifts to insects, fruits, and other natural, abundant food sources. Even during the traditional fall and winter bird-feeding seasons, birds may not immediately find a feeding station. Once the first chickadee, goldfinch, or titmouse "tunes in" to your feeders, the word will spread quickly and other birds will show up. Temporary loss of birds at a feeder can be caused by the presence of a hawk, a cat, or by stale or moldy birdseed.

Discouraging Squirrels

There are numerous squirrel-proof feeders available, but squirrels figure out many of these after a time. Placing your feeders on baffled poles far from any tree, deck railing, or other potential launching pad that a squirrel could use seems to be the most successful strategy. Alternatively, offer the furry menaces some cracked corn (or ears of field corn) far away from your feeders.

Blackbirds, Pigeons, Jays, and Sparrows

You can limit the impact of "feeder hogs" by removing their preferred food from the menu. For blackbirds, pigeons, and doves, limit cracked corn and mixed seed; for jays and crows, limit suet, peanuts, cracked corn, and table scraps; for house sparrows, limit cracked corn and do not feed bread. Larger birds can also be discouraged through the use of small tube feeders with short perches-small birds can use them, but big birds can't.

Hawks at Feeders

Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks are songbird specialists that can be attracted to the bird activity at your feeders. Their tactic is a quick surprise attack, scattering the feeder visitors and perhaps catching a slow, sick, or unwary individual. As unpleasant as it may seem, it is perfectly natural and is a thrilling manifestation of nature's balance. If this bothers you too much, however, try taking your feeder down for awhile to see if the hawk will find new hunting grounds.

Cats at Feeders

Place your feeders a good distance away from thick cover where hunting cats might lurk. Mount your feeders high enough (above 4 feet) that a leaping cat cannot reach feeding birds. A circle of short (1-foot) wire fencing around the feeding station can make it more difficult for charging cats to catch birds.

Night Marauders

If your feeders empty out overnight, you probably have a mammal making nocturnal visits to your feeder. This furry critter could be a raccoon, an opossum, a flying squirrel, deer, or even a bear! Feed only as much seed as can be eaten by your birds during a single day, and you'll discourage these late-night diners.

Sick Birds at Feeders

Sick birds often show up at feeders, desperate for an easy meal, and they usually succumb to their illness within a short while. Although most bird illnesses are not transferable to humans, it pays to be cautious. Contact your local wildlife officials about any sick birds you see at your feeders-wildlife agencies often monitor wildlife health trends. If you find a dead bird, avoid making direct contact with it (wear gloves or use a plastic bag to pick it up), and bury it or discard it in the trash. In either case, clean your feeders thoroughly and halt your feeding for a few weeks to allow the healthy birds to temporarily disperse.