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Greedy Starlings

Hello all.

Is anyone else having problems with these greedy birds. They gobble up everything in sight. Last year I was complaining that we wern't getting any birds in the garden.This year we have so many birds including these gorgeous looking starlings, but they're leaving me bankrupt. I have two cage feeders (squirrel proof) hanging from a feeding pole station, but they still find a way to perch and eat all the bird seed. I have even sectioned their suet cake to one corner of the garden, but that goes in two days, after which they start on the other feeders...help!! can anyone recommend a bird feeder which is 100%  'Starling proof ' I do love these birds and I do leave food for them too, but they're eating all the other birds food. image

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Starlings are in decline as a species due to habitat loss. I'd take it as privilege that you have them.

  • LesleyKLesleyK Posts: 4,029

    Sorry I don't think there is an easy answer here.  We have three or four starling families living under our eaves.  The noise and the mess they make on the windows, drive and car would drive you mad BUT they have been scurrying around the garden digging up bugs from the lawn and under plants. Very helpful and fascinating to watch.

    I throw out apples for the blackbirds who seem to be allowed in!  All other food is devoured within minutes. We always have a healthy bird population in colder months when starlings are fewer.

    Talking rubbish now - it's been really cold here todayimage

  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    A few years ago I disliked Starlings because they were greedy but haven't had any in the garden for a while, the other day I saw some and was really pleased.....oh how times change.  It's the magpies I have the same issue with, they are greedy and I've seen them chasing blackbirds away from the back hedge where the nests are.  I send the hounds out to chase them away!!! Don't worry, they are too slow to actually catch on. image

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