The Unwanted at the Feeder: Squirrels, Doves, Grackles, and Starlings

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    By Gary S. Locatelli

    Backyard bird feeders are a haven for colorful songbirds and quiet nature moments—until the uninvited guests arrive. For many bird enthusiasts, squirrels, mourning doves, grackles, and starlings are the bane of backyard feeding, known more for their overwhelming presence than their charm.

    Squirrels

    Squirrels are the most notorious invaders. Agile, persistent, and incredibly clever, they treat bird feeders as personal buffets. No matter how squirrel-proof a feeder claims to be, these acrobats often find a way in—chewing through plastic, dangling upside down, or leaping impossible distances. They can empty a full feeder in a day, leaving little behind for the birds.

    squirrels

    Mourning Doves

    Mourning Doves may look peaceful with their soft gray plumage and sorrowful coo, but they can quickly take over a feeder. Their ground-feeding habits lead them to perch awkwardly on platform feeders, where they loaf for long stretches and consume seed in bulk. Though not aggressive, their sheer numbers and appetite can crowd out smaller, more desired species.

    Mourning Doves

    Grackles

    Grackles, with their iridescent feathers and piercing yellow eyes, bring a more assertive energy. Traveling in noisy flocks, they descend on feeders like a storm, scattering other birds and emptying feeders in record time. Their strong bills make quick work of corn and sunflower seeds, and their presence often signals the end of a peaceful feeding session.

    Grackles

    Starlings

    Starlings, an invasive species in North America, are perhaps the most destructive and problematic. Highly adaptable, aggressive and endlessly hungry, they mob suet cages and feeders alike, driving out native species. Their flocking habits can quickly overwhelm a yard, leaving behind a mess and little food for more welcome visitors and bird lovers frustrated.

    Starlings

    For those looking to attract more desirable birds

    Making some feeder adjustments can help: use weight-sensitive feeders to deter squirrels, choose seed types like safflower that grackles and starlings dislike, and opt for feeder styles that favor small birds. A little strategy goes a long way in keeping the unwanted guests in check and can help reclaim the feeder for chickadees, finches, and cardinals. It’s a delicate balance between welcoming wildlife and managing the chaos, but for those who value variety at their feeders, some boundaries are necessary.

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    Dayton

    Dayton | May 16, 2025

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