Bird feeder & Crows

Poulgorm

I have a bird feeder hanging on a tree in the garden. Attracts a lot of sparrows, finches etc. The problem is the crows, jackdaws and magpies. They don't eat the seed from the feeder, but they are always on the ground near it and they scare the other, smaller birds away. The smaller birds are messy eaters and spill most of the seed onto the ground

I am thinking of constructing a tubular frame, say about 1 metre square and 75 cm high. Then covering the sides and top with a 25 mm square mesh. I will place on a concrete slab, at the rear of the house and place the food inside it.

Is that mesh size suitable for the small birds? Crows could not penetrate it, but would the smaller birds be afraid to enter it?

Basically, would it work?

Zoo4m8

I'd say it would work perfectly,I'd be inclined to double the mesh size to 50mm, it would allow the finches to just about fly through and they might feel a little safer.
I saw my neighbour last winter, in frustration put a hanging basket (empty!) over their bird table , it was a terrific, temporary success, even blackbirds and thrushes would fit through the mesh and all quickly got used to it.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

An awful lot of bother! 1. Crows don't scare the smaller birds - I have them all feeding happily together. 2. A tray under the feeder will catch spills. 3. If there is that much being spilled then be thankful the crows eat it, as otherwise it will be rats.

monkeynuz

Dean Great Lifesaver wrote: »

An awful lot of bother! 1. Crows don't scare the smaller birds - I have them all feeding happily together. 2. A tray under the feeder will catch spills. 3. If there is that much being spilled then be thankful the crows eat it, as otherwise it will be rats.

Yes our crows feed alongside the smaller birds, one day I will tell you what the wife has started!

We even have the magpie and jays hanging from our peanut feeder! Most bizarre watching them hang on and feed!