Getting rid of those pesky grackles

As we look out the kitchen window at the feeder in the yard, a common sight is grackles … many, many grackles. Their iridescent heads poke up, followed by their young brownish brood, loudly squawking as they beg for food. 

Many of us are seeing these big birds taking over their feeders, scaring smaller birds away, swishing seed and making a mess! A common question in the store is, “How to I get rid of these pests?”

If you are a fan of grackles, the good news is that they eat almost anything—caterpillars, grubs, snails and beetles. They also love chopped fruit, bread, corn, grapes, millet, chopped suet, peanuts and wheat.

However, if you want a greater variety of birds, there are ways of discouraging grackles from hogging your feeder.

• Use tube feeders that have short perches with no tray on the bottom.

• Use feeders that are designed for smaller birds.

• Replace your existing feeder with a caged feeder. Smaller birds can get through the  mesh cage but grackles—and other hogs such as starlings and squirrels—can't reach the seed or suit.

• Try an upside-down feeder for suet. Small clinging birds and woodpeckers can feed, but grackles don't like to eat upside down.

• Avoid platform trays.

• Do not spread food on the ground. Wait until the grackles move on. 

• Try safflower seed. Not only does safflower discourage squirrels, but grackles, too.