Comments on: Predators at the Bird Feeder http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/ Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:54:09 +0000 hourly 1 By: Elizabeth http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-284 Elizabeth Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:54:54 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-284 I have tried several feeders to keep squirrel out but none seem to work. The springs ware out, they stick their paws through the bars, or hang upside done so their weight doesn't effect the weight bar. The real good feeders, like the one that twrils around are to much for my budget. I have my feeders hanging near my deck so I can watch the birds all year long. I just go near the window and they and the birds leave. I have an oak tree in my yard so I know I'll always have squirrels. Living in Northern Illinois I never had as many squirrels as I do here in Philadelphia. If I had no trees then I wouldn't have as many birds. I guess that means I'll learn to live with the squirrels. I put out my feed when I get up and after dark I bring it in. The birds have learn to come when the feed is there. The yellow finch comes anytime because the squirrels don't like their feed. I have tried several feeders to keep squirrel out but none seem to work. The springs ware out, they stick their paws through the bars, or hang upside done so their weight doesn’t effect the weight bar. The real good feeders, like the one that twrils around are to much for my budget. I have my feeders hanging near my deck so I can watch the birds all year long. I just go near the window and they and the birds leave. I have an oak tree in my yard so I know I’ll always have squirrels. Living in Northern Illinois I never had as many squirrels as I do here in Philadelphia. If I had no trees then I wouldn’t have as many birds. I guess that means I’ll learn to live with the squirrels. I put out my feed when I get up and after dark I bring it in. The birds have learn to come when the feed is there. The yellow finch comes anytime because the squirrels don’t like their feed.

]]> By: Gail Williams http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-282 Gail Williams Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:15:30 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-282 The only luck I've had with keeping the squirrels out of my feeders is cayenne pepper, which I've been assured does not harm birds. And my birds love it. The squirrels do not. They attempt to eat it, but soon leave. They'll try occasionally, but never stay around. But I feed the squirrels peanuts, peanut butter stuffed celery, apples, because I like to have them around, too. And chipmunks. I buy cayenne pepper in bulk and put about 1/4 cup in a 5 lb bag of seed. I also buy day-old bread, crumble it up, douse it would cayenne pepper, and my birds love it, too. The only luck I’ve had with keeping the squirrels out of my feeders is cayenne pepper, which I’ve been assured does not harm birds. And my birds love it. The squirrels do not. They attempt to eat it, but soon leave. They’ll try occasionally, but never stay around. But I feed the squirrels peanuts, peanut butter stuffed celery, apples, because I like to have them around, too. And chipmunks. I buy cayenne pepper in bulk and put about 1/4 cup in a 5 lb bag of seed. I also buy day-old bread, crumble it up, douse it would cayenne pepper, and my birds love it, too.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-280 Lisa Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:17:22 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-280 At my feeders all sorts of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, crows, etc, all have a peaceful and wonderful time eating together. There is no stress at all and it is great to watch them all together, having a great time at the restaurant (feeder) and swim club (bird bath)! However, I will say, on an unrelated note, that the Audubon bird feeder with the suet holder on each side trapped a sparrow and he broke his neck trying to get out. I called Audubon about it and they couldn't care less. At my feeders all sorts of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, crows, etc, all have a peaceful and wonderful time eating together. There is no stress at all and it is great to watch them all together, having a great time at the restaurant (feeder) and swim club (bird bath)!

However, I will say, on an unrelated note, that the Audubon bird feeder with the suet holder on each side trapped a sparrow and he broke his neck trying to get out. I called Audubon about it and they couldn’t care less.

]]> By: Carole http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-267 Carole Wed, 27 May 2009 15:15:21 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-267 Hi Can anyone help us with suggestions for our problem? We have always attracted lots of varieties of birds (goldfinches, hummingbirds, orioles, etc.) BUT for the past two weeks there have been NO birds (only bluejays). Don't know what could cause this absence? I know in the end of July they are usually busy with their young, but it is only May. Does anyone have any ideas????? thank you Hi
Can anyone help us with suggestions for our problem?
We have always attracted lots of varieties of birds (goldfinches, hummingbirds, orioles, etc.) BUT for the past two weeks there have been NO birds (only bluejays). Don’t know what could cause this absence? I know in the end of July they are usually busy with their young, but it is only May.
Does anyone have any ideas?????
thank you

]]> By: val http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-255 val Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:52:42 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-255 My method is feeders hung by wire from limbs of my big maple tree, the wire is thin enough that the squirels can,t get a good hold to climb down from it. Also I have two poodles who seem to discourage the squirrels by chasing them away.It works for me and i enjoy many hours of pleasant birdwatching. My method is feeders hung by wire from limbs of my big maple tree, the wire is thin enough that the squirels can,t get a good hold to climb down from it. Also I have two poodles who seem to discourage the squirrels by chasing them away.It works for me and i enjoy many hours of pleasant birdwatching.

]]> By: Lou G http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-254 Lou G Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:51:29 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-254 I am using a Duncraft squirrel proof caged feeder on a WBU ABS system. This feeder allows the small song birds entry while keeping starlings,grackels and squirrels out. I also use a Stokes thistle feeder which nothing but small finches, juncos use. I am using a Duncraft squirrel proof caged feeder on a WBU ABS system. This feeder allows the small song birds entry while keeping starlings,grackels and squirrels out. I also use a Stokes thistle feeder which nothing but small finches, juncos use.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-253 Elizabeth Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:35:54 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-253 I have a very large wood and glass bird feeder that sits on a 4 foot pole. It only took the squarls two days to figure out how to get up. But all are welcome for all are gods creatures and it is fun to see all the animals eating togeather. Elizabeth from Minn. I have a very large wood and glass bird feeder that sits on a 4 foot pole. It only took the squarls two days to figure out how to get up. But all are welcome for all are gods creatures and it is fun to see all the animals eating togeather. Elizabeth from Minn.

]]> By: Rufus T. Oddwater http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-252 Rufus T. Oddwater Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:33:55 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-252 I live in Las Vegas, and out here in the middle of the Mojave Desert we don't have many predators or discouragers of birds at my feeders. Two exceptions: a neighborhood cat, who would like to stalk the birds at my feeder, but whom my dog takes great pleasure in chasing off. The other is a feed store guy in Arizona who took so long to send me my feed that my Abert's towhees all gave up and left, never to return. I live in Las Vegas, and out here in the middle of the Mojave Desert we don’t have many predators or discouragers of birds at my feeders. Two exceptions: a neighborhood cat, who would like to stalk the birds at my feeder, but whom my dog takes great pleasure in chasing off. The other is a feed store guy in Arizona who took so long to send me my feed that my Abert’s towhees all gave up and left, never to return.

]]> By: Delores http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-241 Delores Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:04:30 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-241 by the way I'm from N. W. Ohio. I didn't post above. Thanks for a great website. by the way I’m from N. W. Ohio. I didn’t post above. Thanks for a great website.

]]> By: Delores http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-240 Delores Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:03:17 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-240 I use tube feeders because the squirrels are a real nuisance. I have kept them away by squirting them with the hose when I see them by the feeders and it scares them away for hours, sometimes days, but they always try again. I use tube feeders because the squirrels are a real nuisance. I have kept them away by squirting them with the hose when I see them by the feeders and it scares them away for hours, sometimes days, but they always try again.

]]> By: Marcia http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-239 Marcia Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:41:12 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-239 I love to watch the birds while they feed. They bless me every morning with their lovely songs. The squirrels and crows (huge black birds) are a pest when they empty all the seed. I have come up with an idea to stop the squirrels from climbing up my poles. After giving it long thought as too not attrack ants, bees, etc or hurt the birds in any way, I decided to use Vaseline on the pole. After several rains I do have to re-apply, but it works like a charm. Now if I could only find a way to keep the black birds from eating all the seed and keeping the smller birds at the feeder. I love to watch the birds while they feed. They bless me every morning with their lovely songs. The squirrels and crows (huge black birds) are a pest when they empty all the seed. I have come up with an idea to stop the squirrels from climbing up my poles. After giving it long thought as too not attrack ants, bees, etc or hurt the birds in any way, I decided to use Vaseline on the pole. After several rains I do have to re-apply, but it works like a charm. Now if I could only find a way to keep the black birds from eating all the seed and keeping the smller birds at the feeder.

]]> By: Gloria Escallier http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-238 Gloria Escallier Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:57:19 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-238 BlueJays and squirrels are digging in my flower and herb planters that are hanging on my deck rails. One is eating the marigolds right down to the soil, some are just digging and making a mess. I have had plants on my deck for the last two years and no problems,then out of the blue they started this summer. I have put cayenne powder around and one the plants but they just seem to enjoy seasoned plants. HELP !!! any suggestions???? Gloria Twain Harte, California Please reply Thank you BlueJays and squirrels are digging in my flower and herb planters that are hanging on my deck rails. One is eating the marigolds right down to the soil, some are just digging and making a mess. I have had plants on my deck for the last two years and no problems,then out of the blue they started this summer. I have put cayenne powder around and one the plants but they just seem to enjoy seasoned plants. HELP !!! any suggestions????
Gloria Twain Harte, California

Please reply Thank you

]]> By: Lesley Evans from Ontario Canada http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-226 Lesley Evans from Ontario Canada Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:28:59 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-226 We have a number of bird feeders and don't seem to have a real issue with squirrels etc other than the fact that we have to fill them more often.....but they all need to eat so we let them get on with it. The squirrels provide some really acrobatic entertainment and are quite resourceful! I just wish they would leave the suet basket alone! We have a number of bird feeders and don’t seem to have a real issue with squirrels etc other than the fact that we have to fill them more often…..but they all need to eat so we let them get on with it. The squirrels provide some really acrobatic entertainment and are quite resourceful!
I just wish they would leave the suet basket alone!

]]> By: Carol Dee Metairie, LA http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-224 Carol Dee Metairie, LA Fri, 30 May 2008 23:49:44 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-224 I have the bird feeder which closes when something heavy tries to eat there. The squirrels have tried to hang and get to the feed to no avail. We like to watch the squirrels also, so we put out corn and a suet block for them. We used to have a hawk which took care of some parrots who used to come around, but haven't seen him lately. Now we have crows who have moved into a neighbors tree and have found the feeders in my back yard. I was ok with this until I saw them peck a baby blue jay and got outside too late. Now I chase the crows off when I see them in my back yard. I enjoy all the birds and squirrels who come to visit and have meals with us. I have the bird feeder which closes when something heavy tries to eat there. The squirrels have tried to hang and get to the feed to no avail. We like to watch the squirrels also, so we put out corn and a suet block for them. We used to have a hawk which took care of some parrots who used to come around, but haven’t seen him lately. Now we have crows who have moved into a neighbors tree and have found the feeders in my back yard. I was ok with this until I saw them peck a baby blue jay and got outside too late. Now I chase the crows off when I see them in my back yard. I enjoy all the birds and squirrels who come to visit and have meals with us.

]]> By: dora http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/comment-page-1/#comment-216 dora Tue, 20 May 2008 21:24:07 +0000 http://www.attractwildbirds.com/feeder/predators-at-the-bird-feeder/#comment-216 I have a wild cat in the woods near my house. One time the cat came in my yard near my birdfeeder(3 feet off the ground) and it jumped up and grabbed a baby bird(what kind I don't know) then went back in the woods. Two days later I saw a wild dog go in the woods(but where I could see )and grabbed the cat and went in to the woods deeper and never saw them again. I have a wild cat in the woods near my house. One time the cat came in my yard near my birdfeeder(3 feet off the ground) and it jumped up and grabbed a baby bird(what kind I don’t know) then went back in the woods. Two days later I saw a wild dog go in the woods(but where I could see )and grabbed the cat and went in to the woods deeper and never saw them again.

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