Grackles. If you’re an avid bird watcher, just the mention of their name can stir a mix of admiration and frustration. These clever and aggressive birds have a knack for hijacking bird feeders, leaving little for the smaller, more desirable birds.
But don’t despair! There are tried and tested methods to deter these feathered fiends and reclaim your feeders. Here are the top ten ways to keep grackles at bay.
1. Use Safflower Seeds
Grackles are picky eaters when it comes to certain seeds. Safflower seeds are a prime example. These seeds are high in protein and fat, which smaller birds like chickadees and cardinals love, but grackles find unappealing. Switching to safflower seeds can drastically reduce grackle visits.
You can fill your feeders exclusively with safflower seeds or mix them with other bird favorites, such as sunflower seeds, to gradually wean the grackles away. Over time, grackles will learn that your feeders no longer offer their preferred snacks and will move on to easier pickings.
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2. Invest in Weight-Activated Feeders
Weight-activated feeders are ingenious devices designed to support lightweight birds while shutting out heavier ones. Grackles, being relatively large and heavy, will trigger the closing mechanism, denying them access to food.
These feeders often come with adjustable settings, allowing you to fine-tune the weight limit based on the birds you want to feed. This way, you ensure that only your feathered friends can enjoy the feast while grackles are left searching elsewhere.
3. Install Caged Bird Feeders
Caged bird feeders are another effective solution. These feeders are surrounded by a metal cage with openings small enough to allow only smaller birds to enter, keeping grackles and other larger birds out.
The cage not only protects the food but also provides a safe feeding environment for smaller birds. Plus, these feeders are usually designed to be sturdy and weather-resistant, making them a durable investment for any bird lover.
4. Try Upside-Down Feeders
Grackles are not adept at feeding upside-down, a method that comes naturally to birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. Using upside-down feeders can effectively deter grackles since they struggle to access the food.
These feeders come in various designs and can be a fun addition to your garden. They add an element of entertainment as you watch the smaller birds effortlessly feed while grackles awkwardly try and fail.
5. Switch to Tube Feeders with Short Perches
Tube feeders with short perches are another great way to limit grackle access. These feeders are designed with perches that are too small for grackles to comfortably stand on but just right for smaller birds.
Additionally, some tube feeders have ports that close when weight is applied, providing an extra layer of defense against heavier birds. This dual approach ensures your feeders remain a sanctuary for the little ones.
6. Utilize Baffles & Weather Guards
Baffles are dome-shaped devices placed above or below bird feeders to prevent larger birds and squirrels from accessing the food. When grackles attempt to land on these slippery surfaces, they slide off, frustrated and empty-beaked.
Weather guards, often used to protect feeders from rain and snow, can also protect against grackles. Strategically placed guards can create obstacles that grackles find difficult to navigate, leaving the feeders to the smaller, intended guests.
7. Offer Thistle (Nyjer) Seeds
Thistle seeds, or Nyjer seeds, are a favorite of finches and other small birds but are generally ignored by grackles. These tiny seeds require specific feeders with small holes, further discouraging grackles from attempting to feed.
Investing in a Nyjer seed feeder can significantly reduce grackle visits while attracting a colorful array of finches to your yard. It’s a win-win for both you and your smaller avian friends.
8. Place Feeders in Covered or Sheltered Areas
Grackles prefer open spaces where they can easily spot predators and escape if needed. By placing your feeders in covered or sheltered areas, such as under trees or near bushes, you make the environment less appealing to grackles.
This strategy encourages smaller birds to visit, as they feel safer in these protected spots, and it deters grackles, who will likely seek out more open and exposed feeding grounds.
9. Provide Multiple, Spread-Out Feeding Stations
Creating multiple feeding stations spread out across your yard can dilute the grackle invasion. By offering a variety of feeders in different locations, you make it harder for grackles to monopolize all the food.
This approach also gives smaller birds a better chance to feed undisturbed. Ensure each station is equipped with some of the deterrents mentioned above, like safflower seeds or weight-activated mechanisms, for maximum effectiveness.
10. Maintain a Clean Feeding Area
Grackles are attracted to scattered seeds and spilled food on the ground. By keeping your feeding area clean, you reduce the chances of attracting these birds. Regularly raking or sweeping the area under your feeders can make a significant difference.
Additionally, consider using feeders with built-in seed catchers or placing trays underneath to catch any spillage. This helps maintain a tidy feeding environment and keeps the grackles’ interest at bay.
Grackles can be a persistent problem, but with these ten strategies, you can reclaim your bird feeders for the smaller, more charming birds you want to attract. Implementing a combination of these methods will create a less inviting environment for grackles, ensuring your backyard remains a haven for the right kind of bird visitors.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.