r/birdfeeding

I’m fairly new to this bird feeding thing but I’m really enjoying it. Never had a problem with squirrels until I started using this “Bird Snack Supreme” mix from Costco. They never tried for the safflower seed but I can’t afford to feed the birds safflower exclusively anymore. It’s too expensive. I get a LOT of finches and had to refill every day before i got a second feeders.

I actually don’t mind feeding the squirrels too but I am afraid of them scaring off the birds.

I have been thinking about putting food out for the squirrels that they like and can access easily , on the opposite end of my yard.
Think that would deter them from the feeders?

Sorry for the low quality pics! I was so excited and didn’t want to spook him to get closer.

I NEVER thought I’d get a pileated woodpecker at my feeder, as we aren’t right up next to the woods, and I’m honestly shocked it didn’t snap the suet chain with its weight. Apparently it LOVES the mealworm suet cake.

This makes FIVE new species this spring at my feeders (including white crowned sparrows, rose breasted grosbeaks, orchard orioles, and red headed woodpeckers!)

It’s been hot the last couple of days ☀️ this fox decided to grab a drink 💧

This is the first time I have put a ground feeder up. I have my feeder under the tree against the fence at the moment. I figured the squirrels would visit but I had no idea what they were capable of. They have eaten what I thought would last the birds a week in 2 days. I have a window feeder which holds a small amount of seeds and gets a good amount of visitors that I fill every 3ish days. The two squirrels that live in the tree have gotten pee all over my brand new camera feeder, started chewing it, eaten ALLL of the bird seed and are making a huge mess. I’ve even seen them bark(?) at a bird that tried to visit the feeder. I want to try the hot seed that’s available but apparently they get used to it. I’m not sure my options, I don’t have any where I can put the feeder that’s away from trees. My only idea is to put the feeder against the wall with a top and bottom baffle for both the camera feeder and the ground feeder. I would have to come up with some sandbag or pot maybe to stick it in ? Jsut looking for advice. I had no idea how much of a nuisance the squirrels were, I was excited to have everyone at the feeders but I didn’t know they were going to completely ruin it and drain my pockets lol. I don’t think I’d have the heart to do it, but does anyone think trapping them and driving them a few miles away would be completely horrible? Might be happier in a forest than in a town backyard anyway.

poor dude put in all that effort just to mace himself

This beauty came the other day, which is what these photos are from. But today, he came again! So I wonder if he’ll be a common visitor. I also learned that he isn’t an oriole like I thought (I’m originally from WI where we would get them but don’t here in CO). For those like me, who don’t know who this is. It’s a Black-Headed Grosbeak! I also love my second photo because he was just patiently waiting for the northern flicker to finish so he could eat some of the peanuts

I'm trying to get birds to visit my bedroom window so I've set up:

-bird feeder w/ wild bird seed combo
-suet
-mealworms
-peanuts
-strawberry plants
-petunias
-hanging bird bath with fountain

I've only had it set up for like 3 days and I've seen only one bird and I know you have to give it time but is there anything else i could do or not do to be birdmaxxing

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Poor little downy woodpecker. He was meekly pecking at peanuts and sunflower chips at the wall-mounted hopper feeder when his favorite mesh sunflower chip feeder and suet feeder hadn't been hung back up after a night storm. The cardinal decided to make it known that he wasn't pleased with anyone new coming around. My cardinals usually aren't bullies and will share with sparrows and finches, but I guess the woodpecker is persona non grata at that feeder.

I've been laughing at the comedic timing of it all for hours.

Worry not! The downy's usual haunts were hung back up shortly after and he's been by many times.

Found this guy just above my bird feeder, ready for his own meal!

Hadn’t seen the wren in a while

Thank you!

In Montana :)