How to Keep Jackdaws Away from Bird Food
As a bird lover, the last thing you want is to see your feathered friends lose their food to jackdaws. These black birds are smart and persistent, making it difficult to keep them away from bird feeders. In this article, we'll explore some effective methods to deter jackdaws from eating bird food.
Understanding Jackdaws
Jackdaws are highly intelligent birds that belong to the crow family. They are known for their black plumage, grey necks, and distinctive pale eyes. Jackdaws are social birds and often gather in large flocks. They are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. This makes them frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they can feast on seeds, suet, and other types of bird food.
The Problem with Jackdaws
While jackdaws may be fascinating creatures to observe, they can also pose a problem for bird enthusiasts. Their voracious appetites and cleverness make them difficult to deter from bird feeders. Not only do they consume large quantities of bird food, but they can also intimidate smaller birds and prevent them from accessing the feeder. Additionally, jackdaws have been known to damage bird feeders by pecking at them or knocking them down.
Effective Methods to Keep Jackdaws Away from Bird Feeders
Use a Squirrel-proof Feeder
Squirrel-proof bird feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder, but they can also be effective at keeping jackdaws away. These feeders are typically made of metal with a weight-activated perch that closes off the feeding ports when a heavy animal, like a squirrel or jackdaw, lands on it. This method requires an investment in a new feeder, but it can save you money on bird food in the long run.
Hang the Feeder High
Jackdaws are ground feeders, so hanging your feeder high above the ground can deter them from accessing it. Ideally, the feeder should be at least six feet off the ground and away from any nearby branches or structures that could allow jackdaws to jump onto it. Hanging the feeder from a wire or cable can also make it more difficult for jackdaws to perch on it.
Provide Alternative Food Sources
One reason jackdaws may be attracted to bird feeders is that they are looking for food sources. By providing alternative food sources around your yard, you can divert their attention away from the bird feeder. For example, scattering seeds on the ground or putting out a tray of mealworms can give jackdaws a place to feed without competing with the smaller birds at the feeder.
Add a Baffle or Dome to the Feeder
A baffle or dome placed above or below the feeder can help prevent jackdaws from accessing it. A baffle is a cone-shaped device that fits around the feeder pole or hangs above the feeder, while a dome is a clear plastic cover that sits over the feeder. Both devices make it difficult for jackdaws to land on the feeder or climb up to it.
Try a Visual Deterrent
Some people have found success with using visual deterrents, such as shiny objects or scarecrows, to keep jackdaws away from bird feeders. Hanging strips of shiny Mylar tape or pie plates near the feeder can create a reflective barrier that jackdaws don't like. Scarecrows, whether homemade or store-bought, can also intimidate jackdaws and prevent them from approaching the feeder.
Keeping jackdaws away from bird feeders may require a combination of methods, depending on the particular habits of the birds in your area. The key is to experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you. Remember, the goal is not to harm the jackdaws, but to simply discourage them from accessing the bird feeder so that your feathered friends can enjoy their food in peace.
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