Blog Posts | Birdseed & Binoculars

Strategies to Keep Starlings Off Feeders

Posted on January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 by Nancie

Last Updated on January 19, 2021 by Nancie

Keeping aggressive starlings out of bird feeders can be a challenge. Starlings will go after suet, seed and mealworms with a persistence that is both pretty awe inspiring and very frustrating. Over the years, I’ve honed strategies to keep starlings from taking over the feeders in my yard.

Note: This post is an overview of how I manage starlings at my feeders. You will find links to more in-depth discussions of each strategy and/or feeder reviews throughout the post.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

How to Feed Ground-Feeding Birds in the Snow

Posted on December 16, 2020January 18, 2021 by Nancie

Last Updated on January 18, 2021 by Nancie

Feeding White-Throated Sparrow & Dark-Eyed Juncos seed under a patio umbrella in the snow — White-Throated Sparrow & Dark-Eyed Juncos in the Snow Under a Patio Umbrella

How do you feed ground-feeding birds like sparrows in heavy snow? If you toss some seed on the ground as usual, it might be snow-covered within minutes. Birds won’t be able to see it and so might find it challenging to eat. The solution? Provide some cover!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Backyard Birds That Eat Other Birds

Posted on November 15, 2020November 15, 2020 by Nancie

Last Updated on November 15, 2020 by Nancie

While most birds in your yard probably consume insects and/or seeds, some backyard birds do eat other birds. Some target adult birds. Some eat other birds’ nestlings. And some eat the eggs of other birds. Do you know which ones? You might be surprised!