When it comes to feeding birds, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing squirrels munching away on the bird food you’ve put out. These agile, bushy-tailed intruders can devour a significant portion of bird food, leaving little for the birds you intended to feed. However, with the right strategies and food choices, you can keep squirrels at bay and ensure that your bird feeders are visited by birds, not squirrels. In this guide, we’ll explore the types of bird food that squirrels generally dislike and how you can maintain a squirrel-free feeding zone.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Before delving into what foods squirrels dislike, it’s essential to understand why they’re so attracted to bird feeders. Squirrels are opportunistic feeders with a keen sense of smell. They are drawn to high-energy foods such as seeds, nuts, and suet, which are commonly found in bird feeders. Their persistence and dexterity make them formidable invaders, capable of overcoming many obstacles to reach a food source.
Bird Foods That Squirrels Avoid
Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seed, also known as thistle seed, is a favorite among finches, especially goldfinches. The tiny black seeds are rich in oil but have a taste and smell that squirrels generally find unappealing. Nyjer seeds are best used in specialized feeders, like a nyjer seed feeder, which are often designed with small openings that make it difficult for squirrels to access the seeds.
Safflower Seed
Safflower seeds are another excellent choice for those who wish to deter squirrels. These seeds are favored by cardinals, chickadees, and titmice but are often ignored by squirrels due to their bitter taste. Safflower seeds can be used in most standard bird feeders and are an effective way to attract birds while keeping squirrels at bay.
Bird Feeder Strategies
Beyond selecting the right type of bird food, the design of your bird feeder can also play a crucial role in deterring squirrels. Here are some feeder designs and strategies to consider:
Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Squirrel-proof feeders are specifically designed to prevent squirrels from accessing bird food. These feeders often feature weight-activated mechanisms that close off access to the food when a squirrel climbs onto them. Some designs include cages surrounding the feeding area, allowing only smaller birds to access the food inside.
Caged Feeders
Caged feeders are another effective option. These feeders are enclosed in a wire cage that allows small birds to pass through but keeps out larger animals like squirrels and raccoons. The mesh openings are sized to prevent squirrels from reaching the seeds inside, making them a good choice for seed mixes and suet balls.
Additional Deterrents
Add Spice to the Mix
One of the more innovative ways to deter squirrels is by adding a bit of spice to your bird food. Birds are unaffected by capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, but squirrels find it unpalatable. Many commercial bird foods now include a spicy coating that deters squirrels while still attracting birds.
Install a Baffle
Baffles are dome- or cone-shaped devices that can be installed above or below a bird feeder to prevent squirrels from reaching the food. When positioned correctly, a baffle can make it nearly impossible for squirrels to climb or jump onto the feeder.
Foods That Attract Specific Birds
While deterring squirrels, you still want to attract a variety of birds to your feeders. Here are some foods that target specific bird species:
Suet for Woodpeckers and Blue Jays
Suet cakes and suet balls are high-energy foods that are particularly attractive to woodpeckers and blue jays. To keep squirrels away, use a suet feeder designed with a cage or a weight-sensitive mechanism. Suet pellets can also be used in a mesh feeder to attract these birds while deterring larger intruders.
Peanuts for Blue Jays and Orioles
Whole peanuts, whether in-shell or shelled, are a treat for blue jays and orioles. A peanut feeder with a cage or small openings can help keep squirrels from accessing these tasty morsels.
Mealworms for Bluebirds and Chickadees
Live or dried mealworms are a favorite of bluebirds and chickadees. Use a window feeder or a small bird feeder designed for mealworms to attract these birds without drawing the attention of squirrels.
Conclusion
Creating a bird-friendly environment that squirrels find unappealing is all about choosing the right foods and feeder designs. By opting for foods like nyjer and safflower seeds, utilizing squirrel-proof and caged feeders, and employing additional deterrents like spice additives and baffles, you can enjoy the sight of birds flocking to your garden without the unwelcome presence of squirrels. Remember, persistence is key, and with the right approach, you can create a harmonious feeding station that caters to your bird visitors.
By understanding both the preferences of the birds you wish to attract and the deterrents to keep squirrels away, you can maintain a balanced and thriving bird-feeding environment.