How to stop Starlings eating nuts from bird feeder

spideog

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. Smile

Protein · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:53 pm Post subject:

Hey spideog, if you think you have problems.....?

James Kilkelly · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 1:43 am Post subject:

Hang the feeder from some sort of material which will cause it to spring up and down once the weight of the starling is added to it, but not any of the lighter birds.
Old tights perhaps.

spideog · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:12 pm Post subject:

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.

Crying or Very sad

I'll try your suggestion and see how it goes.

hitbit · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:30 pm Post subject: Feeding the little guys

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

spideog · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 11:01 am Post subject:

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

tippben · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 12:19 pm Post subject:

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

djh · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:12 pm Post subject:

Lots of starlings around Lough Derg

tippben · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:15 pm Post subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNqhi2ka9k Taken near Scahannor, Tipperary I believe.