Backyard Feeder Pests

Protect your feeder from these predators

Your feeder can be a Mecca for birds of all shapes, sizes and colors, but it's also a feeding station for creatures that prey on birds. Although it's been said that birds are at greater risk when feeding because they are less aware of predators around them, this has not been proven. Actually, birds may be able to keep a better eye out for predators because they don't have to spend time foraging for hard-to-find food. Nevertheless, some animals will prey on your backyard birds anyway, so it's best to learn about them and prevent any fatalities at your feeder.

Predators can be divided into two categories: native and non-native species. Native species are those animals that naturally exist in the wilderness around your home. They can include raccoons, squirrels and birds of prey. Non-native species are those animals that you have brought into the birds' habitat. These include house or feral (stray) cats. Each species has its own form of predation, whether it kills the birds themselves or raids nests and eats eggs. Either way, predators are very annoying and interfere with your enjoyment of the birds and with the birds' lives as well.

If you see a predator at your feeder, there are several things you can do:

• If the predator is a squirrel, then most likely it just wants the seeds. Squirrel-proofing your feeder will help to eliminate this problem.
• If you find that the birds and nests are being targeted by predators, then you can protect your nesting boxes so that raccoons, squirrels and cats can't reach into the holes and grab eggs.
• If your cat, or your neighbor's cat, is targeting the birds in your yard, then consider keeping your cat inside or asking your neighbor to put a bell collar on the cat.
• If you want to, get a dog. Dogs don't bother birds as a rule, but they'll scare off any cats or animals that will.
• Place your feeder well back from any bushes, trees or sheds. This will ensure that predators can't hide in your yard.
• If you have a bird of prey problem, call your local wildlife center to see what can be done about it.

Don't ever set traps or put oil on feeder chains or perches. These will not only hurt the animals you are trying to get rid of, but will also harm the birds that you want to keep at your feeder. Oil gets on feathers and mats them so that birds cannot fly. Traps don't discern which animal they ensnare - they'll catch anything that comes their way. You don't want to end up accidentally harming or killing any animal that comes to your backyard. Most animals, even predators, are protected by law, anyway.