5 Ways to Keep Problem Birds Away from your Bird Feeders

Certain species of birds in the United States such as House Sparrows and European Starlings can cause problems at bird feeders by being aggressive and bullying other species. Native species such as Common Grackles, Blue Jays, and Brown-headed Cowbirds can also be aggressive and dominate feeder space. Here are 5 ways to keep these problem species away, to allow more peaceful, native species to have more space.
Gear Links (As Amazon Associates we do earn from qualifying purchases)
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera
Used for most bird videos) - check credits as we do source some photos/videos elsewhere which is noted in the description
amzn.to/3GZl3Mu
Cayer FP2450 Fluid Head Tripod, 75 inches Aluminium Tripod
Derek's lighter tripod
amzn.to/3suX5CK
Andoer Video Tripod Aluminum Alloy 67 Inch
Derek's heavier tripod
amzn.to/3uRLTTk
Nikon D5300
Derek's vlogging and macro camera
amzn.to/3HF8jeh
Rode VideoMicPro Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone
Derek's external microphone for Nikon D5300
amzn.to/3oH8YnS
Connect with us!
badgerlandbirding.wordpress.com
/ badgerlandbirding
/ badgerlandbirding
/ badgerlandbirding \
Photo at 0:29 and 0:43 and by Lutto photography (Edited, CC by 2.0)
flic.kr/p/ubyKfj
Photo at 1:01 by airwolfhoud (CC by 2.0)
flic.kr/p/D4UsYo
Photo at 1:21 by the real Kam75 (Edited, CC by 2.0)
flic.kr/p/bvLmEz
Photo at 1:51 by Melissa Peck (Edited, CC by 2.0)
Dunnock Photo at 0:38 by James (CC by 2.0)
flic.kr/p/ekcXdD
House Sparrow at 2:33 by Courtney Celley (Edited, Public Domain)
flic.kr/p/2jkVWmv
Photo at 3:06 by Alabama Extension (Edited, Public Domain)
flic.kr/p/2iQHvo2
House Sparrow in cover photo by Matthias Appel (Public Domain)
flic.kr/p/wPLQr1
Photo at 3:14 by Paul Hurtado (CC by 2.0)
flic.kr/p/irwWyD
CC by 2.0 license: creativecommons.org/licenses/...
All other photos and videos by Derek and Ryan Sallmann
#Birding #BirdWatching #BadgerlandBirding

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Links to some of the products mentioned in the the video. (As Amazon Associates we do earn from qualifying purchases). Caged Bird Feeders: amzn.to/3QBL2OO amzn.to/3CiAS1j Seed Catching Tray amzn.to/3A7YaEm Finch Feeder amzn.to/3QK2zo4 Thistle Seed amzn.to/3dJxLVR Magic Halo www.magichalo.org/2017/12/deter-house-sparrows-from-feeders-with.html

[@Michael-uj4zw]

I have been an avid bird feeder for many years and have finally come up with my almost perfect solution! No. 1 is the Brome squirrel buster feeder. It is quite expensive at around 100.00 dollars, but is worth it. No wasted seed and no squirrels, the ring is weight sensitive and large birds will cause all the seed ports to close, however my cardinals can still perch on it, love this feeder! No. 2 is the upside down suet feeder where the suet can only be accessed from the bottom thus eliminating the starlings and grackles. The woodpeckers, nuthatchers, and all other preferred species have no problem feeding upsidedown. No. 3, I only put out 2 seed types, black oil sunflower seed in the large feeder and thistle in the smaller tube feeder. All of my feeders are mounted on a T pole with a clear plastic barrier about 5 ft. from the ground. The squirrels are not happy, but this system has worked for years!! Good Luck to all!!

[@yolandagomez9255]

Can you do a video of your system please. Yours sounds great

[@nathaliegibson1032]

@@yolandagomez9255 I agree.

[@debrak3594]

What do you use for large sparrow populations! Tx!

[@billko867]

I've found that the squirrel busters work well, but they clog constantly. So I resorted to caged feeders. A globe-shaped caged feeder works very well to keep the big birds out. Upside down suet feeders are marvelous inventions. What I did to encourage the woodpeckers to look UNDER the feeders was to place them above the normal suet feeders so they could look up and notice the suet on the bottom. All it took was a day and I could take down the traditional suet feeders. I put the upside down suet feeders next to this springy branch so that the big black birds of various types would try to bounce up and down to get at the suet and end up wildly out of control! It never gets old. :D

[@Snoogable]

Do you find the black oil sunflower seeds obnoxious since they sprout all over the place?

[@vonitadustylgreen2914]

I have bird feeders in my front yard (titmouse, blue Jays, cardinals, and woodpeckers) and I use bird baths for feeders in my back yard. The birdbath feeders draw all the larger birds ( doves, cowbirds, squirrels, ect.) I have bird feeders hide in my gardenia bushes and that's where my wrens prefer to be.. I have hummingbird feeders close to the flowers they seem to be attracted to. So far this has worked out great for all of us..

[@philiphaley8970]

Hi I'm writing from the UK, and I encountered many problems with larger birds such as Woodpigeons and Jackdaws stripping my feeders and wasting large amounts of seed, suet pellets, peanuts etc, as well as having Grey Squirrels which used to damage feeders and spill food, which resulted in a problem with mice and rats etc. I tried all sorts of feeders with no deterrent effect until I found some feeders made in the UK by a company called Roamwild, These feeders have spring loaded perches so if anything heavier than a starling lands or perches on them the feeding port closes. It has been good fun to watch the squirrels, pigeons and jackdaws trying to work out how to get the food and then giving up! The upside is that far less food gets spilt, helping to eradicate the vermin problem and saving money on seed etc.. Any food that does end up on the floor is eaten by the wood pigeons or ground feeding birds. The only downfall is the cost of these feeders which are more expensive than others on the market, but this offset by the savings on seed and other foods. I currently have seven of these feeders. The only problem I have noticed is the green painted ones do not seem to be as durable as the copper and other metal ones in the range.

[@jamisonthebirder8907]

Around a month ago , a dozen European starlings traveled to my yard and started invading my backyard and attacking the songbirds and driving the cardinals away , been trying to find a way to help deture them , this video is perfect for the job! Thank you!!

[@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376]

Watergun

[@BadgerlandBirding]

You're welcome! Hope they help!

[@mitchcumstien1897]

20 gauge with birdshot takes care of a bunch of starlings with just one shot

[@oh_k8]

Starlings do not attack other birds outside of breeding time, where they fight for nesting spots. The sheer amount of starling flocks intimidate the other birds from waiting to have a chance at the feeder.

[@chrisw422]

Kill the sparrows, the European ones are invasive. Brought here by fools in the early days.

[@darkclouds27]

I have Dark-eyed Juncos that visit during the winter and they are ground feeders so I scatter seed for them but it also attracts House Sparrows. I'm okay with it because I have an American Kestrel, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper's Hawks that prey on sparrows. Yes, sometimes other bird species become prey but every living being needs to eat.

[@drewby613]

Thank you for these suggestions! I'm already doing some of these things and enjoying success, but there were some ideas, esp the monofilament for sparrows, which I'm very glad to find out about. Thanks again!

[@blurrylights6344]

I started feeding birds last November and for 3 months, my backyard was visited by goldfinch, cardinals, black capped chickadee, dark eyed junco and woodpeckers. Then in February I saw the first starling. Then 20-30. Then the grackles showed up too in same numbers. My yard was in an uproar. I took the feeders down for 2 weeks but they still come by like they own the place. I bought 2 upside down suet feeders which the woodpeckers and chickadees use and switched to safflower seed in the tube feeders. Only when there aren't any pest birds around do I put out a small handful of black oil sunflower seeds which I hope the cardinals and chickadees gobble up before the others show up. 😂 So, specialized feeders and safflower seed have shown to be effective. And the fancy seed in small amounts once in a while should minimize the invasion. The goldfinches haven't come back yet. I am considering upsidedown nyger seed feeders for the goldfinches. Maybe next fall. Good video. Thanks.

[@debrak3594]

My story is just like yours re the birds I had visiting. Fun until starlings and sparrows took over, Do many birds eat safflower? Tx!

[@blurrylights6344]

@@debrak3594 Cardinals, black capped chickadees and finches eat it down to the last kernel. I got a hopper style feeder designed to look like a gazebo (Walmart, under$10) for the cardinals since the tube feeders are just too narrow for them and they just moved right in. The chickadees and house finches use it, too. The goldfinches not so much so I switched to nijer seed for them using a mesh feeder which starlings and grackles don't even go near. Overall, I would say my backyard is back to normal by changing the feed and feeder type. Haven't seen a grackle or house sparrow since and only the occasional starling but it doesn't stay long. Good luck. Happy birding

[@debrak3594]

@@blurrylights6344 Thank you, that was very kind of you to give this information. I feel more able to get some of my old friends back again!

[@blurrylights6344]

@@debrak3594 My pleasure. I'm looking at my previous Walmart purchases and I ordered the Pennington gray plastic hopper chickadee wild feeder. Don't be fooled by the name. The perch is large enough for cardinals too. It is showing it on sale for $6.94 in my area. It holds 2.5 lbs. which the nice birds, not the pest birds, would empty in about 3-4 days so I ended up getting a second one so I only had to refill about once a week. I was very pleased to see the nice birds come back. A blackbird invasion only has to be temporary not the end of a bird feeding journey. Best.

[@debrak3594]

@@blurrylights6344 Thanks to you, I have two new feeders!! Much appreciated. You could have your own birder blog and I'd be there. xo

[@donnaleighjenkins4952]

Thanks Derek! I am going to try some of these tips. I noticed Starlings starting to visit my feeders, seems they like to feed on the ground, which I don't mind, but a couple did perch on hanging feeders for a while. So thank you for the information!!

[@BadgerlandBirding]

You're welcome! Hope they work for you!

[@nathanwebb4836]

Those are awesome ideas, especially the fishing line idea.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Thanks!

[@kastaway2]

I think that providing the right kind of cover brings the birds. I understand it is difficult in neighborhoods were the houses are close together, but not impossible. Arborvitae bring cardinals. I dry out old bread and sprinkle it on wood railing on the deck for chickadees. Hang a piece of stale dry bread on a cloths pin from a string the small birds can feast. I feed just a bit at a time. Then the birds I want are watching and come in after they see me set the food out. Sounds crazy but in my experience it works. Plus water water water. A dinner plate with water on it.

[@ellietobe]

I have several feeders with the cages around them sitting in a closet. The birds will not touch them if you have any other kind of bird feeder around. They prefer the feeders that do not look so scary. They will go in if there is nothing else offered near by. The smaller birds will usually not get too close to feeders that have Jays and other large birds around. The Jays are rough and will knock the small birds around so the smaller birds avoid them. I found that when I put the cylinder feeder over by a bush away from the platform feeder that the smaller birds came back. If you feed nuts in a platform or hopper type feeder you will still attract larger birds like Jays and Starlings that the smaller birds will avoid. Jays are especially bad about grabbing all the nuts out first. The smaller birds such as woodpeckers, Titmice, and Chickadees like the smaller cut up nuts but those are harder to find and more expensive unless you cut them up yourself. Jays, Grackles, Starlings are the birds that give us the most problems. We love the Cardinals but they will not feed around the Jays and Grackles. It has become quite a job trying to outsmart the birds.

[@wolfwhistlewoowoo6297]

I am trying to come to terms with my Woodhouse Scrub Jay encampment that has taken over my feeders. They crack me up because they pretend to be skittish if I peek out the window but have no problem FILLING the tree and having turf wars the second I close the door. I certainly don’t mind feeding them too, but they have become super picky and scratch through my seed tray to gorge themselves on all the best seeds. That and the fact that blue jays like to cache their food so my giant flock probably has the extent of my 80 lbs of bird seed stashed in their caches and I am kept ridiculously busy refilling the feeders so my poor goldfinches, titmice, and towhees will have something to eat! ❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@douggiek9]

All I use now is the upside down woodpecker feeders. Nut hatches and chickadees love them also and have no issue whatsoever. I have specific feeders for my orioles and hummingbirds. Target specific species and the sparrows are few and I had hundreds. When my juncos come back and my grosbeaks arrive on their way back I'll put out almonds which they love. I put them out now for my Bluejays and cardinals and the sparrows can't handle them.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Nice!

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

thanks for the tips

[@carolshannon6449]

Thanks!

[@leen7055]

Detour squirrels by adding some cayenne pepper powder to your seed, if using a platform feeder, add a dash or two after you added the seed. FYI, adding some hot pepper powder to your planters will detour rodents/possums, etc. from digging in them.

[@timeforturtles]

The last step will help a lot. Thank you! My recent issue (which I never had before) is protecting my hummingbird feeders. A woodpecker persistently dominated the feeders until I cut off all the perches on the feeders and purchased some without perches (as hummers do not need them.). Can you share watering habits? I want to provide fountains or water when it’s needed most (in desert area) without having issues with the problem birds. Thank you!

[@donnaroberts9119]

Thank you!

[@BadgerlandBirding]

You’re welcome!

[@boostjunkieMike]

Very informative video. Thanks for sharing👌🏾😎👏🏾👍🏾👍🏾❤️ Back to the drawing board for me.

[@stebecinc]

We only use safflower and thistle seed and it seems to help a little. house sparrow are a pain in the rear.

[@mypitpack.]

Wow you Totally just taught me a lot!! I'm going to use these tip to feed birds that come to my house to eat. I live in Hawaii.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Awesome! Hope they work for you!

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

I find that my Daisy Red Ryder works pretty well ! Lol

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Thanks for sharing. We are avid bird feeders. And I'm going to build some feeders that only the little ones can use.

[@robinstevenson3307]

Please share photos

[@monapause8108]

this is the first year we've put up a bird feeder and now our yard is full of various types of sparrows. they've been mating all over the yard and have pretty much ran off the Steller's Jays and spotted towhees. the sparrows and finches fling all the food out of the feeder and now we have squirrels. argh!

[@justastaronblox5823]

Are other sparrows fazed by the halo?

[@damattice23]

I pour some seed under my feeders for my rabbits and chipmunks, so not an option to eliminate this. Diverse feeders is a great suggestion. I will have to remember to keep cracked corn in just one of them. Thanks!

[@tammywilson8952]

I have been looking all over for the cage sold individually to go over our silo style bird feeders we already have. Can anyone give me a link or a brand name?

[@TK-OK]

If one was to start “eliminating” starlings will the others take note and move elsewhere?

[@Handsoffthekids]

I have the hanging tower feeder with bars like the one in the video. The female cardinals have no problem hanging on and feeding, where the male cardinals flop around and can’t. 😂

[@waxwinged_hound]

Definitely better than my idea, which was "if I'm getting nothing but starlings and sparrows (ie invasive species), let the cat outside." (I'm mostly joking, but boy sometimes I wish I could get my cat to focus on starlings and sparrows while leaving native birds alone.)

[@APoorFellow]

Another masterpiece

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Thank you!

[@bucsam1660]

Should I weigh the ends down on the fishing line or allow them to dangle freely?

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Most people have recommended weighing them down, just make sure they don’t get loose or entangle any animals

[@user-pm8je4fo7e]

I dont get it, how the fishing line supposed to work exactly? I installed several strings within short distance from each other (shorter than in your footage) but sparrows dont seem to care. Took them maybe 10 minutes to adapt, now they just rush through.

[@pauraque]

0:37 If I ever get a Dunnock at my feeder im going to the local listserv not to amazon to buy a cage 😂

[@BadgerlandBirding]

#DunnockWatch

[@agnesrusso4192]

I am feeding a flock of 12 finches but I realized lately that one of them has the eye disease... I disinfect the feeder and the fountain often but still wonder what else I could do to make sure that they do not catch the sickness from that one bird?

[@HorseRanchRealtor]

I had a flat feeder that had texture so seeds were high and low, turned out it was possibly a bacteria grower, saw birds with eye problems and "puffed up" bodies...I threw all seeds away and disinfected all feeders. (removed the flat for good) Took all away for two weeks, It did the trick, and I don't know why but I also have less house Sparrows now!

[@kandis5576]

Do you have any suggestions as to how I might keep hawks away from my feeders? The hawks show up in the fall when the leaves fall off the trees and wait for unsuspecting birds to drop their guard while feeding. We thought about putting big baffles over the feeders, but it seems there is nothing avail that fits the bill. They are either not wide enough. Or they are clear. Any suggestions?

[@BadgerlandBirding]

There are a few things to try. One is to take down feeders for a while as the lack of birds will eventually make hawks lose interest in the location. After a few weeks put them back up. The other thing you can do is plant more cover such as bushes and trees to give the birds more places to hide when a raptor does come around

[@kandis5576]

@@BadgerlandBirding Thanks very much! We do have lots of bushes around the feeders. Some lose their leaves in the winter. I'm add some that do not.

[@jimmjamme3067]

I'd personally enjoy the opportunity to watch a hawk hunt. It's just part of the ecosystem.

[@wolfwhistlewoowoo6297]

@@kandis5576you might try snipping some juniper branches or pine boughs to make a curtain cover and tie them 6 - 10 feet on each side of your feeders in the trees. Predator birds are opportunistic to open areas they can dive into (especially clearings with a nearby advantage point like telephone wires or fences).

[@pauraque]

Can you guys do more adventure vids! Plz 🙏

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Adventure vids are every Wednesday!

[@pauraque]

@@BadgerlandBirding Oh I didn't realize, awesome!

[@knightlygnus]

How do you keep away grackles without deterring birds with similar diets, like robins, blue jays, and woodpeckers?

[@Fred_NaughT]

Nothing keeps grackles or blue jays away. I've tried everything !

[@user-Elle41]

How do you keep Coopers Hawks out?

[@lesliejackson149]

Ahhh, yes, Coopers Hawks. I only get them visiting in the winter... when their food source (mice) are well hidden below the snow. Like the crocodile that waits in the water for the thirsty yet unsuspecting zebra / wildebeest... so does your Coopers Hawk await above your feeders. As upsetting as it can be, remember that everyone has to eat. Even hawks. My Mourning Doves learned real quick and adapted to eating before sunrise and just after dusk. Wise birds. The Starlings, not so much. Hawks would much rather a decent meal (rodents, rabbits, squirrels etc.) than a small bird but do so to survive. Hawks are an equal necessity in the animal kingdom and a marvel to behold in their own right. They only take what they need (unlike humans) until they can gain a proper meal.

[@jolenebauser408]

Can sparrows eat sunflower seeds? I’ve switched over to black oil sunflower seed but it doesn’t seem to have deterred the sparrows

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

They used to stay away from my sunflower seed feeders for a whole year, then they learned that they liked it or how to crack it. So weird, one year they didn't, now they do.

[@bkuku]

Sparrows have hard time cracking striped sunflower seeds - so we completely switched over from the black oil ones. The striped seeds' shells also don't kill the grass under the feeders.

[@annburke6705]

I find that the sparrow will eat anything

[@annburke6705]

Sparrows will eat anything you put out, magic halo is the only thing that works for me...

[@leegorman8322]

Talking of bully birds, is there anything to deter Magpies? Any help gratefully received 🤔

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Hmmm, big fan of Magpies, but you could try a size-selective caged feeder

[@leegorman8322]

@@BadgerlandBirding Until they knock your roof tiles out of place, we've been inundated with them 😮‍💨

[@gkarel3852]

Anyone know how to get rid of pigeons?

[@robinstevenson3307]

What type feeder will deter pigeons in the city

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Probably a size-selective caged feeder

[@GumriRN]

So interesting! Yet I’m so unlucky I guess. The only birds I’ve seen at my feeders for the last year are: House Sparrows & Mourning Doves. I remember as a tiny child, my grandfather would feed regular Rock Pigeons in this house’s back yard. He was a good, gentle man. But now I wonder, maybe he fed them to catch & bake them? He was an immigrant from a very poor country. So, Eating pigeons wasn’t out of the question for him. WHAT’S REALLY WEIRD, all those years ago, I never saw Mourning Doves, just plain old Rock Pigeons. But now, in the past 5 years I’ve been feeding the birds, I’ve NEVER seen the Rock Pigeon….just Mourning Doves, House Sparrows & of course, GRAY SQUIRRELS 🐿️. I guess I’m just the most unlucky bird watcher in my area of PA! Thanks though, I’m so enjoying these videos. Maybe ☝️ day I’ll actually see a more unusual bird at the feeders.

[@garrettsubproductions8705]

Any tips for getting rid of wild wing blackbirds

[@Fred_NaughT]

Red wing blackbirds are great to have around. They're about the only good black birds around.

[@lindap9079]

does the European continent have a problem with non-native species? Did some ill-advised American take his/her pet Robin or Junco to Europe to share the love?

[@BadgerlandBirding]

They do have issues with some non-native species. I know Canada Geese have started to become an issue in certain places. Doesn't seem like there is as much information out there about invasive birds over there. Some of our European viewers may be able to offer more insights.

[@Ashannon888]

@@BadgerlandBirding Canada Geese are a problem in Canada. Don;t think it matters where they show up lol

[@annburke6705]

I live in ireland, I'm feeding the birds a few years,starlings and house sparrows are the biggest problem. I use the cage feeders to keep the starlings away and magic halo to keep the sparrows away, works brilliant.

[@ruperttristanblythe7512]

Please go to a local agricultural store and buy half a metre of farm fencing mesh with your size holes and wrap it round your bird feeder

[@snowyowl5556]

40%? Jeez that's a lot more than I thought

[@BadgerlandBirding]

And that's pre-covid!

[@dichoeli3145]

Hi, the house birds are too noisy and I dont want them around my house.

[@stacyjames9711]

I have nuisance PARROTS, They're very Agile. How do I keep THEM Away????

[@M_Ladd]

I just put out a sign that said no vacancy.

[@birdingthenation]

House sparrows eat so much food so fast!

[@suzannesnyder2679]

Our feeders were invaded by starlings when the deep cold hit us. They have eaten all our safflower seed as well as various suet feeders. Not interested in Niger, so the goldfinches are the only small birds eating. We’re going to have to buy starling proof feeders. Our poor little birds.

[@dankeener3307]

Using bottom suet feeders works against squirrels, starlings and house sparrows.

[@lesliejackson149]

UPDATE: Sparrows AND Starlings are on the Red List of Endangered Birds in the UK (since 2002 actually). Surely North America can help these species survive. Frankly, I find Grackles the absolute bullies of the bird world and thereby, the nuisance. While other birds will happily feed side by side, Grackles want it all and on their terms. No tks. Happy feeding!

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Seriously wondering if we could send some over to the uk

[@lesliejackson149]

@Badgerland Birding Nature will keep them in check... Hawk fodder? I like sparrows. The males also tend to and feed the squawking kiddies. Starling babies are pretty beautiful birds... til they grow into yellow beaks and red legs (ughhh)

[@Ahiebert2829]

I try to attract house sparrows. I watch videos like this to give me hints on not what to do. I haven’t noted any aggression from house sparrows

[@greeniejeannie]

Why don’t we want house sparrows? They are total clowns. The most fun to watch.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

They’re invasive and aggressive. They can kill the babies of native species. They can definitely be goofy and fun to watch sometimes but most people don’t like them.

[@Fred_NaughT]

House sparrows + European starlings are 2 species of birds in the US that you are allowed and encouraged to kill every single 1 of them you see. The house sparrow kills alot of the pretty song birds that most people don't even get to see anymore because their numbers are down by 40% in the last 10 years. It breaks my heart to hurt/kill any animals but I'd rather kill a pest species than watch beautiful tanagers / finches + other small species disappear forever.

[@rethablair6902]

Problem birds are so ghetto they can't be deterred so I stopped feeding all together😨

[@morgan1719]

20 Gauge works. We got overwhelmed by blue jays who took over the feeder until we started eating them. Win win.

[@douggiek9]

Bluejays will keep your yellow jacket population down, they hunt for them and it very cool to watch them.

[@morgan1719]

@@douggiek9 Huh. That sounds interesting, since I hate yellow jackets and always have nests to deal with. But there is currently a nest in the side of the house about 10 feet from the bird feeder, I guess they can't catch them in midair when they're coming and going to the hive. Maybe I'll toss a piece of meat on the bird feeder and see if the blue jays pick off any yellow jackets. If they do, I think I can let them hang around.

[@douggiek9]

@@morgan1719 they are a songbird so they're protected too. Just saying

[@morgan1719]

@@douggiek9 Not withstanding specifically protected birds, the only protection non-specifically protected songbird has is the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The thing about America and treaties is that America sometimes signs treaties but doesn't actually abide by them. So, there's that. And besides that, the feds don't spend a lot of time on blue jay affairs since the states have their own conservation authorities. As an aside, they're much better than starlings, which I only eat when they move into the box I made for sparrow hawks.

[@rustyshackleford1846]

Shit if youre eating them who can really fault you there. So long as you're hunting sustainable species of course as to not rob the next generations of seeing them.

[@freesoul3371]

I use a BB gun.

[@pauraque]

Two birds, one stone

[@kastaway2]

I suggest the pellet gun.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Super illegal for native species

[@kastaway2]

I understand. Bad “joke”. Some of these birds thought……. I believe it is legal in Minnesota to shoot crows if “ they are doing or about to do damage “ to one’s crops. Thank you

[@kastaway2]

I understand. Bad “joke”. Some of these birds thought……. I believe it is legal in Minnesota to shoot crows if “ they are doing or about to do damage “ to one’s crops. Thank you

[@kastaway2]

I understand. Bad “joke”. Some of these birds thought……. I believe it is legal in Minnesota to shoot crows if “ they are doing or about to do damage “ to one’s crops. Thank you

[@kastaway2]

I understand. Bad “joke”. Some of these birds thought……. I believe it is legal in Minnesota to shoot crows if “ they are doing or about to do damage “ to one’s crops. Thank you

[@paullee6814]

Why all the hate lately on these birds? Is it because of your other video that did well? What will you do when this dries up? Had a lot of respect for you guys as genuine birders but seems to me like you're chasing the all mighty dollar now. Sorry but what you were doing before felt more genuine to me....my opinion, maybe a lot will disagree, sure hope you dont block me, hide user from channel or delete this.

[@BadgerlandBirding]

Hi Paul. Thanks for the comment. We do our weekly birding/adventure video every Wednesday and have been trying to answer viewer questions. Many of our subscribers are backyard birders and want information on the topic. Many people on a different video asked this question and we wanted to give them answers. Not all backyard bird videos will be aimed at non-native species/bully birds, that’s just what we’ve been asked lately. If you only want to tune in to the Wednesday adventure videos that’s up to you! Here is our latest kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGakYamrqrhkoKs

[@douggiek9]

Invasive species in birds are the target

[@MegInWhispers]

for me, it is an important topic. i cannot afford to spend a ton of money on seeds for any birds and aggressive bully birds to gobble up, while the more timid birds can't get access. for me, learning these and other tips has helped me to improve the setup of my backyard feeders to select for the exact types of birds i want to attract, while successfully detering the aggressive / invasive birds that prevent the others from feeding, clear out my feeders in a matter of hours, and generally take over my yard. i much prefer to watch the peaceful birds that get along well and patiently take turns on the feeders. the sparrows and starlings are already incredibly successful across much of the continent and they don't need my help to continue that success.

[@douglasscott5623]

Thanks!