We have changed the seed mix in our platform feeder ……
Here in central Illinois, spring migration has started. And that means the arrival of the blackbirds. We are fortunate in that most are with us only for a few weeks and then disperse to find nesting territories, mate, and raise their young. But some blackbirds can be persistent and stay right here in our yard. We do not mind a few, but we do mind when there are dozens and dozens and they overwhelm the feeders – keeping the smaller birds away. Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Red-winged Blackbirds. European Starlings. We do not want to eliminate them from our feeders as they are also birds who need food, water, and rest – just not have them dominate and push all the other birds around. Blackbirds and starlings can be relentlessly aggressive.
Blackbirds and European Starlings relish white millet and corn. White millet is also loved by Mourning Doves, Juncos, and the sparrows. We do not use cracked corn at all even though Mourning Doves like it. We have enough at the feeder for Mourning Doves to enjoy and cracked corn seems to be a magnet for all the blackbirds and European Starlings. If you are overwhelmed with these birds, I would suggest eliminating cracked corn entirely.
In winter, Cleon mixes the seed on the platform feeder – white millet, safflower, and black oil sunflower. Plus whole peanuts – Blue Jays love those! We change that in early March each year as soon as the first blackbirds appear. If you have been watching our feeders on the live-stream, you know the cowbirds started arriving about 10 days ago and the grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds about 3 days ago. Cleon has now discontinued white millet on the platform feeder and only using safflower and black oil suflower – and the peanuts. He is throwing white millet on the ground under the feeders. In that way, the blackbirds will still have seed to eat but not on the platform feeder where it is easy to keep the smaller birds from eating. So while you may see blackbirds and starlings on the platform feeder from time to time, they now should not camp out on it – stuffing themselves.
For those of you who happened to catch the Common Grackles on the platform feeders when it was in full sunlight, you would have been dazzled by their irridescence. These are just gorgeous birds when the sun hits them!
If you are overwhelmed with blackbirds, eliminating white millet and cracked corn from your feeders will help. For more suggestions, please go to this website’s menu, click on Living with Birds as Neighbors, then click on Discouraging Blackbirds. And remember, have patience – it can take time to get flocks of blackbirds to disperse from your feeders and eat elsewhere. And most important, keep your sense of humor!
We hare having a gloriously sunny day here – I wish you all the same!