Outdoor Ontario

Discussion => General Discussions => Topic started by: mr.sharp-photo on May 18, 2011, 07:45:29 PM

Title: Trying to *not* attract sparrows to my feeder
Post by: mr.sharp-photo on May 18, 2011, 07:45:29 PM

Hoping I can get some advice.

My tree sparrows are eating my feeder dry. Every 2 days, i have to fill it up.

I'm buying the supreme seed mix from Wild Birds Unlimited.
Any suggestions on a seed mix i can use?

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Post by: Gannet on May 18, 2011, 08:45:45 PM

Hi,

I'm guessing you mean House Sparrows - they can be a real problem. Get rid of the seed mix and switch to black-oil sunflower seed. I've never seen House Sparrows eat it, but plenty of other species love the sunflowers. For "good" sparrows and other seed eating birds try white millet; and for nuthatches and several other species get a peanut feeder. This should also pretty much get rid of starlings as well. Hope this helps.

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Post by: mr.sharp-photo on May 19, 2011, 06:37:31 AM

it does help.
will attempt that with my next seed go-around.
for now, i'm letting the feeder sit empty for a few days, hoping the house sparrows go elsewhere.

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Post by: Howieh on May 19, 2011, 11:25:56 AM

Quote from: "mr.sharp-photo"

it does help.
will attempt that with my next seed go-around.
for now, i'm letting the feeder sit empty for a few days, hoping the house sparrows go elsewhere.

They will - until you refill the feeders. Are they nesting close by?

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Post by: Sahria on May 19, 2011, 08:46:49 PM

House Sparrows devour my black oil sunflower every couple of days. I moved the feeder they favour away from the others, that way there are a couple feeders for the other birds. Some people suggest taking the feeders down for a few days when the House Sparrows become a nuisance, although I've never tried it.