Dealing With Starlings
What's up with all these black birds taking over your feeders? During the winter it is more than likely that the European Starling has been dominating your feeders!
One key to providing food to the many different species of birds that visit your yard, is to offer a variety of foods, in a variety of feeders, spaced throughout your yard, at different levels. Sound complicated? It’s really not! Recognize that, like us, birds prefer certain foods, offered in different dishes, with comfortable seating, and with good company!
So how do you serve the right foods, in the correct serving dishes, and at a comfortable table, without inviting Mr. & Mrs. Starling? There are several solutions to keep these birds from monopolizing your dinner party!
The Menu
Birds have different energy requirements. Most of our backyard birds require high-fat, high-protein rich foods like sunflower, peanuts, safflower, thistle, suet, and mealworms. Only a few require carbohydrates like millet (Sparrows and Mourning Doves). You can be sure that none prefer milo and other fillers that are commonly found in commercial blends.
We know that European Starlings have a highly adaptable diet and eat a wide variety of foods, such as snails, worms, millipedes, and spiders, in addition to fruits, berries, grains, and seeds.
But did you know Starlings don’t care for Safflower Seed, Nyjer (thistle), Peanuts in the Shell, and Simply Suet?