UNINVITED GUESTS AT THE BIRD FEEDERFeeding birds in your backyard is an enjoyable and rewarding projects. With your bird feeding station up and running, you may run
into problems with uninvited guests. These visitors fall into two
categories --- Those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats
and mice, starlings and house sparrows).
- Those interested in a bird for
dinner (cats and hawks).
SQUIRRELS and other Scavengers
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.
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, and if you don't have
a squirrel problem, add a feeder tray. BIRDS that "hog" the feeders
Crow, house sparrow and starling problems can be eliminated by seed
and feeder selection. FELINE OFFENDERS
Cats are another story altogether. Feral cats and your neighbor's
tabby are a serious threat to nestlings, fledglings and roosting birds. 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. You're bound to feel much worse when you find a pile of feathers
on the ground.
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. HUNGRY HAWKS
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.
Don't get upset. Consider yourself fortunate to see one, right in your
backyard. Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks eat birds and play an important
role in the natural community. If a hawk sets up a regular feeding routine at your feeders and you choose to discourage it,
stop feeding long enough to let the smaller birds disperse. Soon the hawk
will leave to feed elsewhere.
Don't put out poisons, or try to trap them, since all birds of prey --
eagles, owls and hawks -- are protected by Federal law. US Fish & Wildlife Service
pamphlet, "Homes for Birds" and The Baltimore Bird Club
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