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.
Erva Starling-Proof Suet Feeder Review: Want to keep your suet feeder from being dominated by European Starlings and Common Grackles? One way is to put the suet beyond their reach in Erva’s Starling-Proof Suet Feeder. While I’m a fan of upside-down suet feeders and have used them for years, Erva’s method of putting the suet deep in a cage has promise. This feeder allows smaller birds access to the suet while caging larger birds out.
Starlings Eying a Suet Feeder (parent and fledgling)
Looking for suet that European Starlings and Common Grackles won’t eat? In cooler months of the year, try pure suet. I’ve been experimenting with this type of commercial suet this winter and spring. Pure suet has downsides, but it is worth adding to your bird feeding bag of tricks. Here’s why.
