Backyard bird feeders

I enjoy seeing the birds at my backyard feeders, except for the grackles and starlings. :evil: Anybody know how to keep them away and still feed the cardinals, finches, juncos, etc.?

 

That's a hoot! LOL, thanks for the laugh!

 

Safflower seed!

Safflower seed at Lowes. Cardinals love it.
For yellow finches you need a special feeder and fill it with thistle. Thistle must be fresh. If you put thistle seed between two sheets of paper and crush it, fresh thistle will have oil in it! If no oil, the yellow finches will not return. The Wild Bird Store behind Hardees on US 70 in Clayton (across from Wally World) has really fresh thistle. The owner "Tony" is very knowledgeable about birds.

 

birdfeeder

If you use the safflower it will definitely work. It is more expensive, but it will last longer because you only get the birds that you want to see and hear. I used sunflower seeds after the safflower were eaten because by that time the grackles and black birds had forgotten about my feeders.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions, people! I am going to Lowe's today to buy safflower seed.

Ken, I did earn an expert badge in marksmanship, but that was many years ago. I'm afraid I may be a little out of practice now. If I get arrested for shooting out my neighbor's kitchen window, will you come bail me out?

 

Non-lethal for a squirrel? No use then .

Frogger

 

Yeah I didn't get the good thistle from Tony this year and the finches haven't touched it. They pay more attention to the suet.

I would say to keep the big birds away use a bird feeder with a smaller perch.

 

Thanks for your suggestions!

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I did get the safflower seed, and it seems that all the "good" birds like it, and those big black ones don't. It costs more than other seeds, but without the grackles going through it as fast as I can put it out, it is not any more expensive to use.

I do have one of those mesh bags for thistle seed, and the goldfinches really like that. Now I'm glad to have something for the rest of the birds, without attracting the grackles. Thanks again! :-D

 

Designed for squirrels but I am sure it will work with inappropriate birds. Half interested in getting one myself - Looks like 6 Flags for rodents. :mrgreen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLiasdJeoo