How to Get Blackbirds Away From a Birdfeeder

By Tricia Goss

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Small feeders
Suet feeders
Chicken wire

Step 1:
Install smaller feeders. If the bird feeder has small perches and feeding holes, large birds like blackbirds will have a more difficult time using them and may look elsewhere.
Step 2:
Hang suet feeders from branches or eaves. This will also make it difficult for large birds to access the feeders, since the birds will need to stand on the suet feeder. Place it too high for cats or other animals to reach, but low enough for you to refill.
Step 3:
Wrap the feeder in a cage made from chicken wire. Small birds will be able to pop through to the seed, but larger ones will find themselves out of luck.
Step 4:
Vary the types of seed in the feeder. Blackbirds enjoy cracked corn and mixed seed, but are typically less fond of sunflower seeds. Try different seed varieties to learn which types the blackbirds like, and those they don't.
Step 5:
Install some feeders with seed especially for the blackbirds. Place them on the outer perimeter of your property to encourage the blackbirds to dine there and leave the inner feeders to other species.

Resources

Bird Identification Guide

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