Sparrows have been hogging my mesh and upside-down thistle feeders here in Chicago. Have you noticed sparrows in the Tierra Garden feeder?
1132161
Yes,Sparrows,Finches, including Gold finches, Chickadees, Juncos, and even our resident Chipmonks. But at this time of the year when they can all access other foods in the wild no one seems to be hogging the feeder. I only put Nyger seed in it to encourage the Gold Finches - although they appear to be in short supply this year? Because this great Feeder has numerous perches many birds are in it at one time, with no one acting territorial.
1132162
I haven't noticed sparrows on my Tierra Garden feeder. However I haven't noticed any sparrows in my backyard either. I live on the west coast and have only seen juncos, chickadees, and wrens in my backyard.
1132163
No, just red and yellow finches. They cluster inside the feeders and sing. It's kind of a mecca for them.
1132164
Not that many sparrows in NC. Not a problem here. I thought the quality of feeder was excellent.
1132165
There might be some robins but we see far more goldfinches and other little yellow birds.
1132166
Luckily, I don't have sparrows where I live so I can't help you with that question.
1573616
I'm in New England and the prominent birds that use the feeder are Goldfinches. That was the problem they hang out at this feeder & the titmice, chickadees, nuthatches don't have a chance to get the seed. We do have a finch feeder out but they prefer this. I have seen downy & hairy woodpeckers also occasionally a cardinal give it a go if it is quiet. Crackles (blackbirds) also are on the feeder. I'm looking for another feeder that will accommodate the variety of birds we are used to feeding.
1511119
I have mixed seed in both of mine. I don't have a problem with crows so not sure. Only cardinals have been attracted so far
405119
I have 7 bird houses in the yard. Four with 1-1/4 holes and they all have house sparrows in them currently. The Woodlink NAWRCH has an 1-1/8 hole as well as one of my own construction and none of them have house sparrows giving them any attention. My home bulit Northern Flicker box has a pair building a nest in ti currently. It has a 2-1/2 hole.
2027712
Yep, sounds like some dumb birds. I suggest lining the bottom of the tray with some sunflower seed hearts to get them started. I suppose it's possible the seed is no good. Birds are smart about that. Make sure the batch of sunflower seed hearts is not tainted. I've not experienced a problem with sunflower seeds going bad but have several times with thistle in another feeder I have. Good luck! Keep me posted!
2250760
Is this the first feeder you have had in that area?Maybe move it to another place. Make sure your seed is fresh. You can try mixing fine sunflower chips with the thistleBe patient
1195541
Hi, it may be. Our finches kind of disappeared here about a month ago, we have just one who shows up occasionally. They got scarce when they started turning colors for the winter.
1105999
WeHave the same issue. Four are fight over this feeder and a few a fighting over the other one in the front of our house. We have had feeders for years and we always see fighting. We thought it was normal.
940232
Sorry about that, wrong feeder. That one (which looks just like one we have that is a bit larger around) is for Thistle or smaller.
597620
This is typical bird behavior. We all have our favorite foods. Suggest you check with local bird food seller and/or also some foods advise what bird prefers what food. One thing to remember birds are finding fresh food at this time of year. Not sure where you are in US but it has been my experience, if not now, surely by fall and winter the ground feeding birds will go after all the seed they can find. In our area, white crown sparrows, juncos, varied thrush, towhees and so forth benefit from the seeming selectivity of perching feeders.
2148623
Are you using the right kind of seed? ie Thistle seed isn't ideal for this type of feeder. Otherwise, just give it some time. Birds scout out good feeding places in the morning and then come back later in the day to feed, leaving the best places for last.
597624
Oh sure. Birds always do that regardless of the feeder. I've even seen them go out of their way to pick out items from a suet cake and drop them. All you can do is try to stock as much of the "favorite food" of the majority of the birds that visit your feeder. That might limit the variety of birds though. My chickadees only seem to want peanuts or corn while the finches eat only millet. Most of the niger seeds and sunflower seeds go over the side but the towhees and squirrels police those up off the ground. All just "part of the show."
527278
We do not have house sparrows, but the Stellar's Jay and some woodpeckers can stretch their necks far enough out to get some seed. The jays and the woodpeckers can't actually get in the feeder though.
1007832
WE have had this up for a week now and it is a very busy feeder. We have Sparrows, Chickadees and Finches. Only other bird that has landed has been a cardinal, but it is mostly the smaller birds.
1436314
Yes. The blackbirds are too large to get at the suet. Likewise for other bigger birds like flickers though. I get mostly juncos sparrows chickadees and titmice here.
635445
This feeder is designed to hold nyger seeds which attract finches. I use it mainly to feed goldfinches because they just grab unto the mesh to eat. If you want to attract sparrows get a feeder that holds sunflower seeds or a mixture with mostly sunflower seeds. If you want to discourage big birds, search for "small birds feeders", and you will see some caged feeders that will let a small bird in and keep others out. Better yet, buy a few feeders and feed them all.
1718464
No, in fact I've had a female Cardinal go in it at times with Gold Finches on the other side. Most of the time my larger birds will go to the other feeders.