Bird feeding has become an increasingly popular hobby over the past few decades, with millions of Americans putting up bird feeders and buying bird seed. However, bird feeders often attract more than just birds. Other animals like squirrels, raccoons, deer, bears, and even neighborhood cats may come looking for an easy meal. This raises the question – who is really eating all that bird food?
What animals commonly eat bird seed from feeders?
The most frequent thieves at bird feeders are squirrels. Squirrels are resourceful and determined, using their dexterity and agility to access feeders. Platform and hopper style feeders are especially vulnerable to squirrel invasions. Raccoons are also problematic feeder raiders. Their intelligence and nimble paws allow them to open complicated feeders. Less common, but equally disruptive feeder pests include bears, deer, and rats.
Even neighborhood cats may lurk around bird feeders, snagging unsuspecting birds. And some birds like European starlings act bullish at feeders, scaring away smaller native birds. So in reality, bird food often sustains a diverse menagerie of species beyond just songbirds.
Why do other animals eat bird food?
The simplest explanation is that bird food provides an abundant, convenient source of calories. Animals are opportunistic, so a feeder overflowing with seed is hard for them to resist.
Squirrels and other rodents thrive on seeds and grains. And bird food offers a smorgasbord of nutritious options like millet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and corn. Raccoons are omnivorous scavengers, so the protein-rich suet and seed blends found in bird feeders make for quality fare.
For bears coming out of hibernation, the fatty suet and calories from seed offer much-needed nutrition. Urban deer find bird food a supplement to natural browse. Even outdoor cats seem to enjoy a crunchy snack of bird food when given the chance.
Ultimately, these animals eat bird food because it’s calorie-dense and easy to get. When presented with such a prize, their natural foraging instincts kick in.
How much impact do other animals have?
Animals raiding bird feeders can have significant impacts, including:
- Rapid consumption of bird food – Squirrels alone can eat up to a pound of seed per week.
- Damage to feeders – Chewed holes, bent perches, broken lids, and more.
- Contamination – Animal droppings and urine on or near feeders.
- Frightening birds away – Loud, disruptive behavior at feeders.
- Predation – Some animals prey on birds while at feeders.
The presence of other animals can make maintaining feeders frustratingly expensive. But more importantly, it can deter birds from using them. Backyard bird feeding only succeeds when birds feel safe and free to visit feeders.
Deterring Feeder Pests
When animals habitually eat bird food, action must be taken. Here are some humane ways to discourage feeder pests:
Use specialized feeders
Certain feeder designs make it harder for animals to access seed or suet. Examples include:
- Squirrel-proof feeders with weight-sensitive perches.
- Caged feeders that allow birds in but keep larger animals out.
- Feeders with soft plastic perches that squirrels struggle to sit on.
- Metal suet cages to protect suet blocks.
- Dome or covered feeders that keep out rain and animals.
Investing in these specialty feeders means birds can dine in peace.
Try distasteful food
There are bird seed blends seasoned with hot pepper or other flavors animals dislike. The birds don’t seem to mind, but the strong taste deters squirrels, raccoons, and others. Switching suet recipes to similarly distasteful mixes works too. This makes the feeder an unpleasant dining experience for pests.
Use feeder placement strategically
Where and how feeders are positioned impacts accessibility:
- Place feeders far from trees or fences, which offer squirrel launching points.
- Hang feeders with a dome on a tall, thin pole, making climbing difficult.
- Ideally 8-10 feet off the ground and not adjacent to anything animals can jump from.
- Consider using a squirrel-proof pole that tilts or spins when climbed.
Careful feeder placement minimizes access for problematic animals.
Try deterrents
Squirrel-repellent sprays, predator decoys (like plastic owls), or even just the presence of dogs may discourage bold feeder-raiders. Using a water spray bottle to “ambush” animals also trains them a feeder is undesirable. While not foolproof, deterrents add further disincentive.
Completely restrict access
In severe cases, totally denying access may be needed. This could mean taking feeders down completely for a period of time or encasing them in elaborate wooden or wire boxes with openings only birds can enter. Restricting access resets the backyard dynamics to reestablish bird feeding.
Accept Some Loss
Even with excellent feeders and intelligent placement, some bird food is likely to get stolen. Squirrels in particular are stubbornly persistent. As long as seed remains tasty and nutritious, animals will try to eat it.
The key is not perfection, but cost-benefit balance. Find an affordable, sustainable strategy that maximizes desirable bird activity while minimizing, but accepting, some inevitable loss. Then make minor ongoing adjustments as needed if any animals become overly problematic.
Conclusion
Backyard bird feeding brings joy by allowing special glimpses into the lives of our avian neighbors. But the same food also attracts less welcome guests like squirrels and raccoons. Clever feeder options, strategic placement, and deterrents can reduce unwanted consumption and give birds safe, rewarding feeding experiences. Though perfection is unrealistic, a balanced approach maximizes benefits while accepting some marginal loss. With patience, bird and animal lovers alike can appreciate their respective roles in nature’s grand backyard drama.
