skip to main content

HELP! Mockingbird has taken over the feeding area...

16 years ago

We enjoy feeding and watching the birds, especially throughout the winter here in Missouri. As usual, we have several species that visit our suet cake, hanging feeder and ground feeder but a few weeks ago a mockingbird took over the whole thing and keeps all the other birds away. He just sits there all day, every day and we haven't had any woodpeckers, redbirds, doves, chickadees, or anything else able to feed. He/she has even attacked our chickens when they got too close.

So, HOW DO I GET RID OF ONE BIRD WITHOUT HAVING TO SHOOT IT?? We like the mockingbirds but have never seen any bird this territorial. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

bandjzmom
16 years ago
Oh my. This is a tough one They sure can be very territorial, especially at breeding time. Can you leave part of the feeders there for him to guard and move the others to a different location, maybe out of his sight? They don't give up easily. I think it's easier to try to work around them. JMHO> ;o)
sharbear50
16 years ago
They like to eat meats like worms and bugs and obviously suet. Try putting up a seed only feeder for a while, maybe that will help. Also don't use seed that has berries, they will eat those too. It's worth a try.
Sharon
Related Discussions
This weed has taken over
Q
Comments (6)
Actually I think that is it after all. Sorry, I didn't realize there was so much variety in the plants so named. Mine really has very little of the pinkness or blush the flowers are all white and the seed things are green, but after looking at many more examples I found some that come much closer to resembling mine. It says these are good for butterflies so now I have to wonder if I should tear up the beds to get rid of it or leave it for the butterflies. The stuff is standing straight up about knee high and has totally covered all my desirable plants. Mine unfortunately is not one of the ones that looks like baby's breath. Thanks!
...See More
Wisteria has taken over my yard!!!
Q
Comments (3)
Wow, there's a weed I wouldn't mind being overrun with! Doesn't grow where I live unfortunately. Wisteria can be one of the most beautiful vines in the world when properly managed. By the sound of it yours has been abandoned. Rather than kill it, what about hiring a specialist to come in and prune it and teach you how to look after it. Try doing a search for a Master Gardener group in your area. If you let us know where you live I will try and find some resources for you.
...See More
crabgrass has taken over
Q
Comments (4)
To prevent crabgrass next year, apply preemergent in early spring when the forsythia are in bloom and then at regular intervals. This will prevent the germination of new weed seeds. I use a product called Dimension (dithiopyr) made by Lesco, which is relatively long lasting (3 months per application), but there are a number of other products as well. They are often sold as "weed and feed", though for the first application in spring I like to use something that doesn't contain fertilizer as it's best not to fertilize in early spring.
...See More
What is this grass that has taken over my lawn?
Q
Comments (12)
Hello all... I have Tall Fescue here in MN, but we also get "Clump Grass" or clumps of course fescue, normally used on road sides( Kentucky 31 Fescue is a coarse fescue that is often sold for roadside plantings) and such.. Course or "BAD" fescue will grow in clumps in your KBG and /or Tall fescue lawn, the only way to get rid of it is... If you only have a little of it, you can dig it out, but its going to have a rather large root system, you can try and spot spray Round Up on each clump, but you may kill some surrounding desirable grass also... If you have lots of it all over, it may be best to start over. Again, depends have truly bad it is... I also dont think Alligare Chlorosulfuron 75 will kill Tall Fescue.. The herbicide is a selective herbicide, I have never used it, but I looked it up and I didnt see where that would kill what your trying to kill... Have a great day!
...See More
janepa
16 years ago
I, too, would add other feeders elsewhere, not in sight of the mockingbird. If he has one to guard that might be enough.
We have a mockingbird in our area in the spring and summer but we have not seen him yet. I know they can be harmful to other eggs, but I really like to listen to all their songs/chirps.
Jane
kcchiefsfan
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions to separate the feeders. We moved them around to different areas, see what he/she does now!
bandjzmom
16 years ago
Keep us posted chiefsfan, and let us know how it worked. I sure hope that it helps. :-)

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Home

Architect Steven Randel has taken the measure of each room of the house and its contents. You’ll find everything here

KIDS’ SPACES Who Says a Dining Room Has to Be a Dining Room?

By Becky Harris

Chucking the builder’s floor plan, a family reassigns rooms to work better for their needs

HOME TECH To Feed and Protect: Care for Your Pet From Afar With New Devices

You might miss the nuzzles, but your dog or cat won't miss food, water or monitoring with these high-tech feeders and cameras

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Native Flowers That Feed Native Bees

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

These perennials offer superfood to hundreds of bees and are gorgeous in their own right

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Feed Wildlife With Flowering Currant

Blossoms and berries make this plant irresistible to birds, bees and other critters — and a treat for the eyes too

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS Your Space Can Help You Get Down to Work. Here's How

By Laura Gaskill

Feed your creativity and reduce distractions with the right work surfaces, the right chair, and a good balance of sights and sounds

LIFE Houzz Call: What Has Mom Taught You About Making a Home?

By Vanessa Brunner

Whether your mother taught you to cook and clean or how to order takeout and let messes be, we'd like to hear about it

COTTAGE STYLE Houzz Tour: Snug London Cottage Has a Spacious Feel

Natural light, an ingenious layout and plenty of space-saving tricks are the secrets to this compact home’s laid-back charm

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

ID OWL IN S.E. MICHIGAN z5b

0