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Frenchy19	05/07/2020 09:06AM   Ok, admittedly I am new to birding. I have a number of feeders (different types) out with a variety of food, and it seems that with the return of the house sparrows, there are fewer other birds hanging around. I know with the arrival of spring I may not see as much action at my feeders as natural food sources open up, but the darn sparrows are aggressive and chase other birds away. Any suggestions on how to deal with this, or is one of those things I simply need to accept?
Frenchy19	05/07/2020 01:15PM   Canoedad89: " This is a somewhat controversial subject, due to different personal beliefs about the humane treatment of animals. That being said, there are several things you can do. The first thing you need to know is that the House Sparrow is considered an invasive pest and is not protected by the migratory bird act. That means that it is legal to kill them. Same thing with the European Starling. One thing I would do first is make sure that you aren't making it easy for them to nest by putting out bird houses. If you see them flying in and out of a cavity, eliminate that cavity. Another thing you can do is attach a piece of fishing line above the perch on your feeder, which will keep them off the feeders. As far as bird seed goes, House Sparrows seem to prefer the generic mixed bag of seed, so offering only black oil sunflower, or a blend of sunflower and safflower would be a deterrent. If you are considering more lethal options, there are traps that are commercially available, and ether could be used as a more humane method." Appreciate the info. I do know they are considered invasive, although I really do not want to exterminate them. The fishing line is interesting; saw a product earlier today online called the magic halo that seems to be in line with what you are suggesting about the fish line. Going to give that a try!
Frenchy19	05/07/2020 05:55PM   airmorse: "What type of food do you put out. And where..." On one pole, there are 3 feeders. One has black sunflower seeds, one safflower and one a mix from a local bird store. These are all hopper feeeders. On a tree, nyler in a tube feeder, mix in a tube feeder and mix in a hopper. Also have a birch with hole drilled filled with suet for woodpeckers on this tree. We have lilacs along our back property line, and I have 2 nyler feeders there. In a separate tree (we only have 2 in our yard) I have a 2 feeders; a set up for orioles with nectar, mealworms, orange half and grape jelly and hummingbird feeder.
Ausable	05/08/2020 10:37AM   I have observed House Sparrows eating my sunflower and safflower seeds as well as the smaller seeds that I have in a tube feeder. My solution has been to remove the feeders for a few days. The first birds to return have been Cardinals and finches. Then the sparrows show up and the cycle repeats.
airmorse	05/07/2020 05:36PM   What type of food do you put out. And where...
Canoedad89	05/07/2020 11:51AM   This is a somewhat controversial subject, due to different personal beliefs about the humane treatment of animals. That being said, there are several things you can do. The first thing you need to know is that the House Sparrow is considered an invasive pest and is not protected by the migratory bird act. That means that it is legal to kill them. Same thing with the European Starling. One thing I would do first is make sure that you aren't making it easy for them to nest by putting out bird houses. If you see them flying in and out of a cavity, eliminate that cavity. Another thing you can do is attach a piece of fishing line above the perch on your feeder, which will keep them off the feeders. As far as bird seed goes, House Sparrows seem to prefer the generic mixed bag of seed, so offering only black oil sunflower, or a blend of sunflower and safflower would be a deterrent. If you are considering more lethal options, there are traps that are commercially available, and ether could be used as a more humane method.