As a bird lover, one of the joys of my day is watching the colorful songbirds flock to my backyard bird feeder. The chirps and tweets create a cheerful chorus as they hop about filling up on seed. That is, until the crows arrive. Suddenly, my peaceful sanctuary is shattered by the raucous cawing of these bullying birds. No matter how much seed I put out, they gobble it up greedily, scaring away the smaller birds. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering how to keep crows away from bird feeders. Luckily, there are several effective techniques to deter these intelligent pests without harming them.
Why Crows Love Bird Feeders
First, let’s look at why crows are so attracted to bird feeders in the first place. As omnivorous opportunists crows have adapted well to urban environments. They are especially drawn to easily accessible food sources high in fat and protein, like the seeds we put out for songbirds. Bird feeders also provide crows with lookout perches to scan for potential threats. And since crows are highly social if one finds an abundant food source, it will call others to join in the feast.
Crows can quickly ravage feeders, scaring away smaller birds that can’t compete for the limited space. Their large size and aggressive behavior monopolizes feeders. Plus, their hefty appetites and tendency to toss seed on the ground looking for their favorites leads to a lot of waste. For birds like chickadees and finches, a crow takeover of the feeders means missed meals.
Effective Strategies to Deter Crows
The good news is several strategies can prevent crows from treating your feeders like an all-you-can-eat buffet Here are some of the most effective ways to keep crows at bay while still welcoming your favorite small birds
Use Specialty Bird Feeders
There are many specialty bird feeders designed specifically to exclude large, bossy birds like crows. Tube feeders with weighted perches and small ports limit access for heavier birds. Dome and covered feeders that require birds to feed upside down also discourage crows. Platform feeders with cages prevent landing and perching. Shop for feeders labeled “squirrel proof” or “crow proof” for good options.
Alter Feeding Times
Crows tend to be most active early mornings and evenings. By timing your feeder refills for midday, you can allow small birds to access the seed when crows aren’t around. As an added benefit, birds digest food most efficiently during the warmer hours.
Use Tactile Deterrents
Touch deterrents like plastic spikes, wire mesh, or slippery surfaces can be added to discourage crow landing and perching. Placing these on feeder roofs, poles, or nearby branches blocks common crow access routes. Birds like chickadees and nuthatches don’t mind the spiky surfaces when food is within reach.
Employ Scare Tactics
Hanging flashing pie pans, old CDs, or metallic streamers near feeders can startle and unsettle crows. Lifelike plastic owl replicas or crow prey can also scare them away. Just be sure to move scare devices regularly so crows don’t become accustomed to them. Adding sound via bells clackers or chimes adds to the alarming effects.
Use Netting Barriers
Netting is extremely effective for protecting large areas around feeders. It allows small birds to pass through while keeping crows and other large pests out. Though more labor intensive, well-installed netting can provide a long-term crow-free zone.
Remove Ground Feed
Crows spend a lot of time scavenging the ground under feeders for spilled seeds. Use seed catch trays and clean the area frequently to eliminate this food source. Platform feeders and large capacity tube feeders can help reduce waste. Ground feeding birds will appreciate a separate low cleared space.
Apply Repellents
Non-toxic chemical taste or odor repellents formulated for birds can make feeders unappetizing to crows. Apply these occasionally to feeding ports, perches, and poles to discourage lingering. Be mindful that smell repellents may also deter smaller birds.
Balance Crow Control with Conservation
While crows can be a nuisance at bird feeders, it’s important to acknowledge their vital ecological roles and avoid harming them. As intelligent, family-oriented animals, crows deserve humane treatment even when conflicting with our interests. With some clever adaptations, we can happily coexist and enjoy watching both crows and songbirds thrive. Trying multiple deterrent techniques together allows small birds relaxed feeder access while still providing crows with natural food sources nearby.
Watching a diversity of bird species flock to your yard creates a peaceful sanctuary. Don’t let domineering crows bully small birds away from the buffet. With these tips, you can cleverly outsmart crows and maintain a harmonious bird feeding oasis. The songs of chickadees and finches will once again brighten up your day.
How to to keep crows off your bird feeder
FAQ
How do you get rid of crows but not other birds?
Deterrents and Scare Tactics
Visual deterrents like scare crows, reflective bird tape, plastic owls or other decoy predators can be used to frighten crows. Fake dead crows are particularly effective. Crows respond to auditory deterrents too. Playing crow distress calls or predatory bird sounds can scare away crows.
What do crows hate the most?
Visual crow deterrents, on the other hand, utilize reflective surfaces, flashing lights or even predator decoys like owls or hawks. The combination of moving or shining objects and lifelike figures tricks crows into believing there is a genuine threat.
How do I keep crows out of my bird feeders?
Answer The simplest way to ensure crows, other large birds and grey squirrels cannot eat from your bird feeder is to purchase one that has a cage around it so only small birds can get through to the food. Alternatively, you can fix two hanging baskets together around your existing feeder using wire.
What is the best crow deterrent?
One of the most effective methods for deterring crows involves the use of sound devices that emit predator calls or distress signals. The use of products like the BirdXPeller PRO is particularly beneficial, as these devices create an auditory deterrent that keeps crows at bay.
Do bird feeders keep crows out?
Feeders that can keep crows out are called Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeders. To keep crows away from your feeders, you should utilize squirrel-proof bird feeders. A squirrel-proof feeder is a type of feeder in which the food, such as peanuts, suet, or seed, is placed in the middle of a wire cage with the food in the center.
How do you stop crows from eating bird food?
There are several ways to stop crows from eating bird food such as using a feeding station with a weight-sensitive perch, using a feeder with a guard, using a squirrel baffle, using a specific type of feeder, feeding at specific times, moving your feeder around, removing spilled seed, and using crow decoys. What is a natural way to repel crows?
How do I keep crows away from my garden?
Smaller birds can still go through the gaps to get food, while larger birds can eat the spilled seeds on the ground. This is an effective way to keep crows away because if they have limited and difficult access to feeds, they will definitely spare your area and move to another. Opt for a Customized Size Bird Feeder
Do Crows eat birdbaths?
There should be no birdbaths in the vicinity of your feeders, as crows are likely to use them. However, this is not always good for other bird species, but it will help keep crows away. Crows are attracted to water, so you can discourage them from visiting your feeders and yard by removing all of these sources.
Can Crows eat a trash can?
It’s critical that your trash not only be covered but also that it has a tight-fitting lid. You can use animal-proof garbage cans like these or you can use trash can locks. If you’re giving other bird species meals, make sure to use feeders that crows can’t access bird food of any kind.
How do I get rid of crows?
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of crows, the best solution is to utilize a decoy predator. It’s easy to scare birds away with a decoy. You may hang an imitation owl outside in your yard to frighten birds away. However, because crows are clever, try altering the position of your decoy.