Many gardeners enjoy feeding birds, but it can be frustrating when larger birds such as crows, magpies and pigeons claim all the food. How do you ensure that smaller garden birds, such as tits, robins and finches, also get a chance? In this blog we discuss effective ways to deter larger birds without completely banishing them from your garden.
Why do larger birds eat all the food?
Large birds have larger appetites and are often stronger than small garden birds. They can dominate feeding areas, giving smaller birds less chance to eat. In addition, their weight can cause feeders to swing or even knock over, causing food to be wasted.
Effective Ways to Deter Larger Birds
1. Choose the right bird feeder
Not all bird feeders are suitable for small birds. Choose a bird feeder with a protective cage or small openings that only smaller birds can pass through. This prevents larger birds from gobbling up the food and allows smaller birds to eat undisturbed.
2. Use feeders with small openings
Feeders with narrow openings and short perches make it harder for large birds to cling on. This keeps seeds and other food specialities more available for small garden birds such as blue tits and finches.
3. Place the food strategically
The location of your feeder is crucial. Hang feeders on thin branches or under a canopy that is difficult for larger birds to reach. Make sure there are no flat surfaces nearby that larger birds can land on.
4. Use food that is less attractive to large birds
Some foods are more popular with large birds than small ones. Avoid large chunks of bread, peanuts in the shell and large sunflower seeds. Instead, choose smaller seeds, fat balls in a protected container and mealworms which are more accessible to small birds.
5. Use a protective cage
There are special cage feeders available that are designed to allow smaller birds to pass through while keeping larger birds out. This is an effective way to selectively feed without completely excluding other animals.
6. Feed spread out and at different heights
By creating multiple feeding areas, you reduce the chance that one group of birds will claim everything. Hang feeding silos at different heights and use multiple small feeding houses spread throughout the garden.
7. Be consistent in your feeding method
Consistency is key when feeding birds. If you notice that large birds continue to dominate, adjust your strategy by changing feeding locations or types of food. Over time, smaller birds will learn where they can safely feed.
What if bigger birds keep coming?
While you can discourage larger birds to some extent, it is important to remember that they are also part of the natural environment. You do not have to ban them from your garden completely. Through selective feeding choices and smart placement of feeders, you can create a balanced ecosystem that accommodates both large and small birds.
Conclusion
Preventing larger birds from eating all the food requires a well-thought-out approach. By choosing the right bird feeder, strategically placing the food, and using feeders with small openings, you can ensure that small birds have ample opportunity to eat. Combine multiple methods and keep experimenting to create the perfect feeding area for a diverse bird life in your garden.
