1. When should I put a tray on a tube birdfeeder?
It really depends on the type of feeder. For “open port” birdfeeders with round feeding ports, a tray will attract more birds to the birdfeeder. Several ground feeding such as the Northern Cardinal, Doves, etc. simply can’t feed comfortably from the perches of tube birdfeeders. You will not attract birds other than Finch on a thistle birdfeeder (those with a small slit for a feeding port). Of course, the tray will be helpful in catching Nyjer the birds drop while feeding.
2. I have a Mockingbird that continues to attack any bird that tries to feed from my birdfeeders. How can I get rid of this bird?
Mockingbirds are fruit and ground insect eaters. One way to try to distract them is to provide small pieces of fruit such as raisins, berries, etc. in a birdfeeder sufficiently large to accommodate this bird. Be sure to place the birdfeeder such that it is out of sight from your seed feeders, e.g., on the other side of your house. Try this for several days to see if it keeps the Mocker occupied. If not, our suggestion is simply to wait it out. Eventually, the Mockingbird will move on. We have had them intimidate smaller birds around our birdfeeders for days, but eventually they left. We are unaware of any instances where they actually hurt another bird.
3. I’ve tried to attract bluebirds to nest in my yard but can’t seem to get them. Any advice?
If we know the feeding environment the bird, we will know what Birdhouse and location will attract wild birds. In the case of the Bluebirds (Eastern, Mountain or Western), they are ground insect eaters. To attract them to your yard, you must have a Bluebird house facing the most open area of your yard out some 15 feet or so from trees. Place the house on a pole with a predator guard to prevent squirrels, raccoons and squirrels from getting to the nest. House Sparrows are also predators and will take over the house before the Bluebirds take occupancy. The male sparrow will perch on the top of the house and call for a mate. Once she comes they will build a nest out of just about anything such as sticks, gum wrappers, string, etc. We cleaned out the sparrow nest daily (sometimes for several days) until the sparrows moved on. If bluebirds are in your yard they will likely start building a nest after the sparrows leave. Good luck! | |
|
