These ‘guests’ fall into two categories – those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).

If you have trees, you will get to know squirrels. You may marvel at their antics, until they take over your bird feeders. Then you’ll either love them or hate them.

Those who love squirrels tolerate their visits, and may even encourage them with special squirrel toys and feeders.

But when a squirrel is at the feeder, you’re not likely to see birds. Squirrels will scare off the birds while they eat the seed, and sooner or later, they’ll eat the feeder too.

The simplest solution is the squirrel-proof feeder or pole, and storing your seed in a metal garbage can.

Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become a problem where there’s seed spillage under the feeder. Don’t use mixed bird seed (far too much waste), and if you don’t have a squirrel problem, add a feeder tray to catch fall out before it hits the ground.

Crows, house sparrows and starlings can also be trouble guests. The troubles with these birds can be eliminated by seed and feeder selection.

Cats are another story altogether. Feral (wild) cats and your neighbor’s pet tabby are a serious threat to nestlings, fledglings and roosting birds. Far too often, the presence of just one cat on the prowl near your feeder can take the enjoyment out of your backyard bird watching experience.

When a cat sits drooling under your feeder, you’re not likely to see any birds and you’ll be horrified to find a pile of feathers on the ground one day when you know ‘that cat’ has been by.

If your neighbor is reasonable, suggest a bell collar. If that doesn’t work, consider getting yourself a pet — a dog! Birds don’t seem to be bothered by most dogs, but cats and squirrels are and they’ll high tail it off your property!

If there are no cats in your neighborhood and you find a pile of feathers near your feeder, look for a hungry hawk perching on a tree nearby and circling regularly. Try not to get upset if you do see one, Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks eat birds and play an important role in the natural circle of life.

Whatever you do, don’t put out poisons, or traps for birds of prey! These birds (as most) are protected by Federal law.

Filed in: Bird Feeders, Wild Bird Feeders