How to get rid of starlings
Feb 5, 2021 13:11:59 #
For several months my photography has been mostly the colorful small birds drawn to my backyard by bird feeders. Squirrels have been defeated by the Squirrel Buster feeders, but in the past 2 weeks I have been plaqued by flocks of starlings which can empty a full bird feeder in 30 minutes. I am looking for suggestions for getting rid of starlings in a suburban environment.
Feb 5, 2021 13:15:31 #
Migrating? Maybe don't put out feed till they stop coming. Or owl statues around the yard.
Feb 5, 2021 13:16:27 #
Removing the food supply for a time is the only way I know to get rid of flocks like this. The only problem is, it is winter and all the others will look for other places to find food as well.
Feb 5, 2021 13:21:14 #
jbhess wrote:
For several months my photography has been mostly the colorful small birds drawn to my backyard by bird feeders. Squirrels have been defeated by the Squirrel Buster feeders, but in the past 2 weeks I have been plaqued by flocks of starlings which can empty a full bird feeder in 30 minutes. I am looking for suggestions for getting rid of starlings in a suburban environment.
Send them my way. I like to photograph them in their unusual colors in different seasons and they are fun to watch.
I"ll feed them.
Feb 5, 2021 13:27:48 #
12 gauge shotgun with # 9 shot. It won't defeat them but it will make you feel much better. 
Seriously, Starlings are like Grackles, large enough that you can place wire mesh like chicken wire around the feeders with a mesh size large enough to let the small birds in but keep the Starlings out. It has worked for me in the past.
Seriously, Starlings are like Grackles, large enough that you can place wire mesh like chicken wire around the feeders with a mesh size large enough to let the small birds in but keep the Starlings out. It has worked for me in the past.
Feb 5, 2021 13:49:58 #
I took the feeders down for a week. The starlings were back within 2 days. I would love to try the 12 gauge, #9 approach, but the county police would be here tout de suite. I will look for a different type of feeder with a cage around the feeding tube. The starlings have also been shaking the feeders to spill seeds on the ground. They are vandals.
Feb 5, 2021 14:09:03 #
Country Boy wrote:
Removing the food supply for a time is the only way I know to get rid of flocks like this. The only problem is, it is winter and all the others will look for other places to find food as well.
Yea, not allowed to, lets say, make "noise" where I live either.
When someone else stops feeding for the same reason, they'll go looking again.
The other birds will eventually return.
Starlings are voracious.
Feb 5, 2021 15:09:57 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
12 gauge shotgun with # 9 shot. It won't defeat them but it will make you feel much better.
Seriously, Starlings are like Grackles, large enough that you can place wire mesh like chicken wire around the feeders with a mesh size large enough to let the small birds in but keep the Starlings out. It has worked for me in the past.
Seriously, Starlings are like Grackles, large enough that you can place wire mesh like chicken wire around the feeders with a mesh size large enough to let the small birds in but keep the Starlings out. It has worked for me in the past.
Makes sense. Maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Squirrel-Classic-Hanging-Finishing-Included/dp/B08DLLR9JN/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2FO01HGP6YJ30&dchild=1&keywords=starling+proof+bird+feeder&qid=1612555681&sprefix=starling+pro%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-13
Feb 5, 2021 15:22:56 #
Feb 5, 2021 17:31:26 #
jbhess wrote:
For several months my photography has been mostly the colorful small birds drawn to my backyard by bird feeders. Squirrels have been defeated by the Squirrel Buster feeders, but in the past 2 weeks I have been plaqued by flocks of starlings which can empty a full bird feeder in 30 minutes. I am looking for suggestions for getting rid of starlings in a suburban environment.
A good AEG airsoft should do the job
Feb 5, 2021 18:37:35 #
Starlings, grackles and red-winged blackbirds are very intelligent and skittish. The slightest movement on the deck precipitates an immediate departure of the flock. I must be very surreptitcious. A 9 power scope requires a dead rest with an 11 lb rifle. A bean bag on a tripod will work if set up in advance. Very little meat inside all those feathers. I believe a feeding tube within a cage is the way to go. I hope the cardinals can get through.
Feb 6, 2021 07:31:15 #
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM5qgmCz1rw Do a search on YouTube and other live traps for starlings are listed. Some wildlife rehab centers take starlings for food. Depends on the sites. Never ever set such a trap without checking it frequently. Native birds are fully protected by state and federal law.
Feb 6, 2021 07:53:14 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
12 gauge shotgun with # 9 shot. It won't defeat them but it will make you feel much better.
Seriously, Starlings are like Grackles, large enough that you can place wire mesh like chicken wire around the feeders with a mesh size large enough to let the small birds in but keep the Starlings out. It has worked for me in the past.
Seriously, Starlings are like Grackles, large enough that you can place wire mesh like chicken wire around the feeders with a mesh size large enough to let the small birds in but keep the Starlings out. It has worked for me in the past.
It is legal to shoot them. They are an invasive species. Read this.
Birdist Rule #72: It's Okay to Dislike Some Birds | Audubon
Feb 6, 2021 07:56:49 #
Feb 6, 2021 08:33:36 #
I was having a problem with terns so I hired some neighborhood kids to throw pebbles at them to scare them away. The instruction I gave the kids was "Don't let a single tern go unstoned."
Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.
Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.
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