skip to main content

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.

Sort by:Oldest

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
Related Discussions
Coneflowers taking over Garden
Q
Comments (21)
My personal taste is for the drift of coneflowers, but we all have different reasons for garden. I think they are such great flowers that help out so many different wonderful creatures--nectar for butterflies/bees, seed for finches (I don't get too many volunteers since the finches get them), and host plant for Silver Checkerspot and possibly Gorgone Checkerspot, depending on your location. Looks like you coneflowers are right up against your house? That might be why you don't get enough finches coming in and eating up your seeds. You could dig out some of your coneflowers and give away or start another garden; often this needs to happen with most perennials--they all need dividing every so often. I did this last year with mine because I wanted to include some other flowers/plants in my beds, and it worked. One other thing is to learn what the seedlings look like and pull in the spring and either compost or give away. This way you can keep the two or three you like to have there and be able to have the flowers you want. The Phlox can be the same way--it might be thing you're pulling next year. Just life in the garden, always tinkering and adjusting and balancing. Hope you get to enjoy those beautiful goldfinches enjoying the buffet you have for them.
...See More
Help: Regular Birds taking over feeder
Q
Comments (2)
Random I have Black capped chicadees that chase my hummers away from the feeders especially my test tube feeders. I do have the occasional woodpecker come to the feeder but not as often as others do. I finally hung a small bowl feeder with the lid removed with very weak sugar water solution for the chicadees and they are very happy and for the most part they leave the hummers alone. Last year I actually had a chicadee and a hummer on a double test tube feeder together. It was a very cute site. You might want to invest in a few more feeders. Penny
...See More
Do Not take Hummingbird Feeders Down Yet!
Q
Comments (1)
As of 10/06/12 There are still a number of hummers filtering down from Ontario Canada. I still have 2 regular immatures here at my place. One is using a feeder well but the little female still doesn't know how to use a feeder. Last evening an adult male showed up to one of the feeders and proceeded to knock junior off the feeder perch. He is probably one of those coming down from Ontaio Province. That one probably just stopped to rest and refuel for the night and will probably be on his way today. If you are still having hummers please post your report on Journey North. Penny Here is a link that might be useful: Report sighting to Journey North
...See More
What to do about injured redpoll
Q
Comments (3)
That's Awful. I hate seeing hurt birds. i have a blind bird out here and don't know what to do about it either.
...See More
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

Related Stories

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE Houzz Tour: A Modern Take on Southwest Style

By Mary Jo Bowling

A designer updates a classic adobe home with lighter furnishings, fresh finishes and complementary ethnic motifs

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 17 Wandering Paths That Take Joy in the Journey

Explore secondary paths that are full of nuance and add intrigue to the landscape

COMMUNITY In L.A.’s Echo Park, a New Urban Development Takes Flight

Blackbirds, a new ‘microneighborhood’ near downtown, is Los Angeles’ latest small-lot urban infill project

MATERIALS Mesquite: The Brawny Beauty for All Over the Home

By Karen Peterson

Denser than other hardwoods and sporting beautiful coloration, mesquite makes a fine material for flooring, countertops, furniture and more

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 FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

GARDENING GUIDES Step Right Outside for Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

By Abundant City

Decks and patios can be convenient spots for edibles, and sometimes they even offer advantages over backyard gardens

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Give Your Compact Patio Some Major Style

By Laura Gaskill

11 ideas and examples to take your outdoor room from snoozefest to stellar

KITCHEN DESIGN Having a Design Moment: The Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Take a peek at 11 design opportunities you shouldn't overlook in the kitchen

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Beautiful Noise: How to Create a Symphony in Your Garden

Take your surroundings to another level by introducing the element of sound with ground covers, water features and wind catchers

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations