HOA's and Backyard Birdfeeding:
Saying "NO" to Birdfeeding Bans
(songbird notes index) (home)
 Some of the same methods used to squirrel-proof your feeding stations are effective when it comes to deterring pigeons and other large, aggressive birds such as crows and grackles, while some additional factors must also be considered. In the case of pigeons in particular, not only must they be prevented from feeding directly from birdfeeders, but it becomes essential to prevent an accumulation of dropped seed, which provides pigeons with opportunities for ground-feeding. Because isolating and baffling can't be effective in preventing unwanted birds from flying to and landing on feeders, the style of feeder selected becomes all the more important. For the purpose of deterring pigeons and other large birds, absolutely avoid open platform feeders and large hopper feeders with broad perching areas. Pigeons and large birds may be able to cling to a caged feeder for short periods, but it isn't a comfortable perch for them, and they won’t be able to reach the food. Many closing-type squirrel-proof feeders offer several tension settings. With some experimentation, one of the intermediate settings should allow the feeder to remain open even for several smaller birds at once, while closing at the weight of a pigeon, crow or grackle just as it does to a squirrel. If you’re feeding from a tube feeder, select a feeder with very short perches, or cut longer perches down to a short length. Pigeons and other large birds have a difficult time perching on very short perches that are perfectly roomy and comfortable for small songbirds. Keep in mind that while they will land on feeders if the access is easy, pigeons are very much ground-feeding birds. No matter how uncomfortable you make it for pigeons to feed directly from your feeders, these birds may yet remain in your yard to scavenge any seed waste dropped underneath the feeders. If it's the ground waste underneath your feeders which is attracting the pigeons, several alternatives remain. Periodically raking up the ground under your feeders scatters and buries the dropped seeds. Pigeons aren't comfortable in dense vegetation, so creating a brush pile under your feeders, or hanging feeders over thick bushes, discourages pigeons from seeking out the dropped seeds in those locations. Methods of birdfeeding which drastically reduce ground waste include feeding suet, feeding seed from a caged feeder with an enclosed tray, and feeding each type of seed separately. Here's a closer look at each of these options. Suet is a food source which results in almost zero ground waste. Because suet comes in a pre-formed cake of uniform consistency, it is simply reduced as the birds eat it from its holder. There's very little crumbling off of pieces to fall to the ground. Suet provides many birds with a great, high-protein and high-fat food source, in the winter and year-round. Feed suet in an upside-down suet feeder, and you’re catering to woodpeckers, finches, nuthatches, chickadees, and other birds who will comfortably cling upside-down and feed. Pigeons, crows, and grackles won’t. Feeding suet in an upside-down suet feeder is an ideal solution both for controlling access to the feeder, and for eliminating under-feeder scavenging opportunities. For seed-feeding, feeders with an attached seed tray offer a too-convenient perch for pigeons and other large birds, while feeders without a tray allow more seeds to drop to the ground. In terms of the "pigeon problem," this apparent paradox may be resolved by selecting a caged feeder with an enclosed seed tray. Because the smaller birds fly inside the caged area to feed, their seed droppage will be caught by the tray instead of falling to the ground, yet remain outside the reach of the larger birds. As long as the tray does not extend outside the area enclosed by the cage, all of the larger birds are denied a comfortable perch and denied direct access to the seed, while the ground-feeding pigeons in particular are also denied a concentration of under-feeder seed waste at which to congregate. One major cause of ground wastage occurs as birds pick through a seed mix to find the seeds they prefer, and scatter the unwanted seeds to the ground. This effect can be countered by avoiding mixed bird seeds. Nyjer (thistle seed), safflower, and sunflower seeds are the primary components of many seed mixes, but each can be purchased separately. Try offering each seed in its own feeder. There also exist several models of birdfeeders with arrangements of divided internal compartments or multiple seed tubes, allowing this separation to be made within one birdfeeder. Just remember, as before, to avoid models with open trays or wide perching areas. By separating the types of seed, various birds can seek out whichever seeds they prefer, without having to pick through a mix, scattering and dropping the unwanted seeds in the process. Feeding certain specific types of seed may offer other advantages as well. Safflower seed, as previously mentioned, is well-loved by many songbirds, but squirrels aren't the only ones who don't like it. Safflower is also unappealing to grackles. Nyjer, or thistle seed, is a small black seed particularly enjoyed by finches. Aside from the fact that the fine mesh of thistle sock feeders and the tiny openings of thistle tubes (far smaller than the ports of seed tube feeders) help to minimize seed droppage, nyjer is imported, and is under regulation requiring it to be sterilized (unable to germinate) before entering the United States. What little does drop to the ground is tiny, not visibly messy in grass, dirt or rock, and can't sprout in your yard. Other treated and hulled "no-waste" seed mix is also available. If eliminating seed germination is a high priority, you might decide to forego the reduction in ground waste that comes with the separation of seed types, in favor of feeding the non-germinating seed mix. If this is the case, you may then employ some of the other mentioned suggestions for deterring pigeons. As with all of the strategies presented in this article, you'll have to decide upon the most practical method or combination of methods according to your own priorities and circumstances. One final set of tips concerns feed storage. Secure feed storage is essential for controlling the animal and bird population in your yard. Suet is best stored indoors, in your refrigerator or freezer. Seed, whether in bags, milk cartons, or other containers, also can be refrigerated or frozen. Refrigerating or freezing seed prevents insect and moth infestation, and kills insects and eggs if they do invade your seed supply. However, larger quantities of seed, especially if you go through it very quickly, may need to be stored outdoors and closer to your feeders. Make sure to transfer all seed from its paper or plastic bag into a secure container. Metal seed cans with tight-fitting lids are best, but thick, heavy plastic tubs can sometimes do the job. If you’re using plastic, watch for gnawed lids, rims, and corners. If mice, squirrels, or other animals are eating through the plastic containers, a switch to metal seed cans is in order. Make sure the lids fit well and are replaced tightly after every use. Otherwise, you’ve just provided a very large new feeder to your backyard wildlife! |
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