How to stop Starlings eating nuts from bird feeder
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spideog Rank attained: Hazel Tree


Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Midlands
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Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 10:02 pm Post subject: How to stop Starlings eating nuts from bird feeder |
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Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep Starlings away from hanging nut feeders? I gave up on a platform feeder a long time ago as the Starlings ate everything in a few minutes. They have now figured out how to hang on to the nut-feeder and not only eat all around them but scare off the tits and finches. The fact that the neighbours throw out crusts and waste for the Crows and Starlings doesn't help.
Have tried putting a chicken wire sleeve around the feeder, but the Starlings manage to get in through it.
All suggestions will be tested.  |
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Protein Rank attained: Ash Tree


Joined: 05 May 2009 Posts: 240 Location: Clare
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Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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Hey spideog, if you think you have problems.....?
 _________________ "But no one puts flowers
On a flower's grave" - T Waits |
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James Kilkelly Rank: Site Admin

Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 2173 Location: West of Ireland
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spideog Rank attained: Hazel Tree


Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Midlands
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Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:12 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks James, I tried that last winter but I used heavy duty elastic bands rather that a pair of tights. The starlings are able to cling and eat upside down, just like a tit, the swinging motion doesn't seem to bother them.
I'll try your suggestion and see how it goes. |
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hitbit Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree


Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 51 Location: Dublin
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:30 pm Post subject: Feeding the little guys |
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Hi,
Try making a feeding table with top base surround the 4 sides with rigid wire that has small openings approx 35mm. This will allow tits sparrows etc through to the food while keeping bigger species out but do make another table for the bigger guys. Starlings can be fun to observe and need help in winter. We have watched as their parents came to feed, then brought their chicks to feed, then left their offspring to fend for themselves. We are currently seeing those chicks develop into " adulthood, fighting and establishing a "pecking" order.
hitbit |
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spideog Rank attained: Hazel Tree


Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Midlands
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Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 11:01 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Hitbit,
I got a squirrel-proof feeder in the garden centre and it works a treat.
Have kept the old feeder for the starlings!
Spideog |
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tippben Rank attained: Vegetable garden tender
Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Posts: 921 Location: north tipperary
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Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 12:19 pm Post subject: |
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Although you might not like them, starlings are experiencing a Europe wide decline, and are "red listed" in the UK. Although Irish populations are stable for now, please don't try not to feed them, to keep it that way. Keep that second feeder going! http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/decline/starlings.aspx |
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djh Rank attained: Hazel Tree

Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Co Tipperary
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Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:12 pm Post subject: |
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Lots of starlings around Lough Derg
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tippben Rank attained: Vegetable garden tender
Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Posts: 921 Location: north tipperary
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