Birding/Grackles

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Expert: - 4/10/2004


Question
We have a real problem with grackles and the occasional pigeon at our backyard bird feeders. Any suggestions as to how to get them to go away.  

Answer
As long as you are offering food that Grackles like, you will not be able to get them to go away. I suggest feeding only small seeds; that will probably discourage them. No bread, no fruit,no suet, no large seeds. An occasonal pigeon should not be a problem. For more information on wild birds, see www.ornithology.com

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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