Redpolls taking over feeders

17 years ago

I have been feeding birds for over 20 years and have never had so many redpolls. They have taken over both my thistle feeders. I am afaid that when the Blue birds and other birds I like to attract show up they will be forced out like the Chickadees etc. Has anyone had a similar experience? Will they continue on (they seems too happy for that) north to their breeding ground? If I stop feeding for a while will that hasten their departure? Any comments would be appreciated.

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Comments (8)

Konrad___far_north
17 years ago
Perhaps putting up a couple extra feeders.
Redpolls are soon heading north.

Konrad
dzyg
17 years ago
I hear you on the Redpolls, I was thrilled in February when they stopped and stayed at my place but now over a month later I am kinda ready for this 100+ flock to head north, I know it should be soon. They aren't aggressive but their sheer numbers are keeping the other birds away from the feeders. One morning I counted 114 of them out there! It is crazy! I only have one thistle feeder which they are all over but I also sprinkle sunflower chips on the deck which they love too. I am finally starting to see other birds coming back, saw the first Robins this morning followed by the first Grackle and first Redwing blackbird of the year too. I am in central WI. I am sure with the summer birds arriving these winter birds will be leaving. I am still glad they stopped and stayed though, they have provided hours of entertainment watching them swoop in in a flock and take off in a flock only to turn around and come back again. Funny little birds.

Donna
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hawkeye_wx
17 years ago
Send some of them down here to east-central Iowa. The range map says they winter here in suburban areas, but I've never seen one. My thistle feeder is owned by house sparrows and I'd happily trade them for some redpolls.
richme
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks everybody. I appreciate the help. I'm off to get more thistle. I'm sure not for the last time. You're right, Donna, they are a fun little bird and I'll miss them when they are gone. Hawkeye I'll mapquest from Maine to Iowa for the little guys for you. If you haven't looked at Konrads MY PAGE you should. Great pictures!!
Thanks again
jsimran
17 years ago
Don't worry about what species of birds you do or do not have coming to your feeders. Just enjoy the birds and be appreciative of the fact that they are willing to share a part of their lives with you :)
dzyg
17 years ago
So richme, are all your redpolls still there? Just this week my flock of over 100 redpolls has mostly flown the coop. I am down to about 15 redpolls and a couple pine siskins. It is amazing not to have to fill the nyjer feeder up daily anymore, plus all the undesirable seed (to the redpolls anyway which is anything but the sunflower hearts) is not thrown out of the bigger feeder anymore so that isn't getting wasted. I hope they stop here again next year!

Donna
richme
Original Author
17 years ago
Yes, Donna, we are still loaded with redpolls. Seems like more everyday. They are messy little guys. We have at least as many feeding below the feeders. Like you I hope to see them next year but right now it's "how can I miss if you won't go away?". I'd like to see some blue birds!
dzyg
17 years ago
Hey richme, the departure of my redpolls did bring me some Blues!! Saw our first bluebirds of Spring on St Patricks day here in WI. Just this morning I was watching a pair of Blues around one of our nestboxes, can't help but bring a smile to my face!

Donna