Squirrels and birds often get a bad rap for not getting along. We’ve all seen those cartoons with the squirrel greedily hogging the bird feeder, while the poor little birds look on helplessly. In real life, things aren’t always so black and white. Squirrels and birds can and do live together harmoniously with the right habitat management. By understanding both species’ needs, you can have a tranquil yard where squirrels and birds naturally respect each other’s space.
How Squirrels Disrupt Birds
Squirrels and birds rely on many of the same resources like food and shelter. This inevitably leads to some conflict over territory. Squirrels will aggressively chase birds away from feeders in order to gorge themselves on seed. Their constant scurrying andfeeding disrupts birds and causes stress. Even if squirrels can’t actually get to the food, their mere presence nearby makes anxious birds too nervous to come feed.
Specific problem behaviors from squirrels include
- Scaring birds away from feeders so they can steal the seed
- Raiding nests to eat eggs and chicks
- Ambush attacking birds when they try to come feed
- Aerial chasing birds in attempt to access hanging feeders
- Taking nest materials from unoccupied nests to build their own
- General harassment of feeding and nesting birds
These actions all stem from the squirrel’s natural food hoarding instinct. Their obsession with stealing bird food makes it difficult for backyard birds to thrive. But it is possible for the two species to peacefully coexist with smart management.
Changes in Bird Behavior Due to Squirrels
Constant squirrel antics take a toll on birds Watch for these signs of disruption
- Avoiding feeders routinely ambushed by squirrels
- Visiting feeders less often and for shorter time periods
- Displaying stressed behavior instead of relaxed feeding
- Eating less due to intimidation
- Increased aggressive behavior like chasing each other
- Abandoning nests rather than tolerating raids
- Decline in number of species and total birds visiting
These changes indicate your yard’s environment is becoming inhospitable to birds, Actions should be taken to improve the situation and invite birds back
Tips to Minimize Squirrel Harassment of Birds
With thoughtful planning, squirrels and birds can compatibly share space. Here are tips to promote harmony:
- Use squirrel-proof feeders that close when squirrels try to enter
- Install feeder baffles to prevent access
- Set up a designated squirrel feeding area away from birds
- Offer safflower or nyjer seed that squirrels dislike
- Protect nest boxes with guards and baffles
- Provide squirrels an alternate nest box so they don’t steal nests
- Apply natural squirrel repellents like hot pepper spray
- Prune back branches squirrels use to access feeders
- Scare squirrels away with sprinklers or sounds
Establishing clear boundaries through these deterrents will teach squirrels to look elsewhere to meet their needs. The birds can then use your yard undisturbed.
Signs of Successful Coexistence
When your habitat plan is working, peaceful coexistence will emerge. Watch for:
- Birds calmly feeding with natural behavior
- More species and higher bird numbers
- Normal, uninterrupted nesting patterns
- Minimal interspecies chasing or panicking
- Full bird feeders not raided by squirrels
- Squirrels using designated areas leaving birds alone
- Natural awareness without harassment
With mindfulness and planning, squirrels and birds will demonstrate how well they can share space. A yard meeting all inhabitants’ requirements is absolutely possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do squirrels physically harm birds?
A: Not intentionally, but their food stealing does disrupt feeding and nesting patterns causing displacement and stress. Proper management greatly reduces negative impacts.
Q: Will squirrels kill adult birds or nestlings?
A: Killing adult birds is very rare, but they may eat eggs and baby birds in nests. Installing protective guards helps prevent this.
Q: What scents deter squirrels from bird spaces?
A: Strong natural scents like cayenne, garlic, vinegar, ammonia, mint, citrus, and predator urine can effectively repel squirrels when applied strategically around yards and feeders.
Q: What sounds keep squirrels away from birds?
A: Ultrasonic frequencies around 18-55 kHz bother squirrels but don’t affect birds. Ultrasonic devices help deter squirrels from feeders.
Q: Should I use moth balls or coffee grounds?
A: Moth balls and coffee grounds can deter squirrels initially but they may become used to the smells. Frequent reapplication is required so they aren’t very practical long-term solutions.
The key is understanding both species’ needs and proactively managing interactions. With smart habitat design including separated resources, squirrels and birds can coexist in harmony, allowing you to enjoy their lively presence. A backyard welcoming to all wildlife is absolutely achievable with mindful planning.
How To Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders?
Courtesy of WÅodzimierz Jaworski, Unsplash
Their name comes from the Ancient Greek skiouros, meaning shadow-tailed. Like many tree-dwelling animals they have excellent eyesight, and are very intelligent problem-solvers, displaying Herculean determination to find food. They inhabit almost every part of the world; and donât we know it.
Bird lovers across the globe have often-divisive opinions about squirrels. Some people love it when a squirrel comes by â children (and many adults) are naturally drawn to their bushy, quick-flicking tails, comical gloved hands and cute furry faces.
Others, however, may be fed up with the difficulties squirrels and their voracious appetites pose. They can be quite aggressive and whilst predominantly herbivores, have been known to attack nests and eat eggs and even chicks in some parts of the world. Some birds will gladly share a feeder with other bird species, but squirrels will scare or chase away most birds and not leave until they have scoffed the lot.
Love them or hate them, it canât be denied that squirrels are superbly adapted beasts. Their long hind legs can propel them far into the air, their sense of touch is impeccable, and their teeth can cause damage to an impressive array of materials.
Courtesy of Ralphs_Fotos, Pixabay.
It has even been said that, due to their propensity for gnawing on electrical cables, squirrels pose an even greater threat to the internet and services than cyber-attacks.
Perhaps as an adaptation to prevent them from devouring their own homes, squirrels cannot digest cellulose, which means they must rely on foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Hello, bird food.
Feeding birds in your garden or yard is very rewarding â itâs been proven to bring down stress and anxiety levels as well as an easy way to practice mindfulness. The benefits to birds whose habitat may no longer be as large or accessible cannot be understated, and many songbirds â birds whose habitats are often the most at risk â rely on these extra resources especially during the cold winter months.
Bird food thief. Courtesy of 16081684, Pixabay.
So, it can be a little bit frustrating when you see all that thoughtfully placed food snaffled up by a four-legged fur monster. Equally hungry, but perhaps not as equally welcomed.
Squirrels on a Closed Feeder Still Scare Birds Away
Squirrels initially left the Squirrel Buster feeders completely alone. I never even saw a squirrel seriously try them . . . until the weather turned really cold. Then for week or so, squirrels began an all-out assault on all of the feeders, even these. Despite a lot of effort, they never succeeded in breaching these feeders.
But they started climbing down the shepherd’s hook to get on the feeder. (This is a pretty awesome skill when you consider how thin, curved and slippery as these poles seem.) All that squirrel activity on the feeder kept frightening birds away.