How to Deter House Sparrows at Bird Feeders 2021
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- Learn how to make various versions of the magic halo to keep house sparrows from eating at your bird feeders.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA PUBLICATIONS
Monofilament Lines and a Hoop Device for Bird Management at Backyard Feeders: www.jstor.org/stable/3783389
THE STATUS OF LINES IN BIRD DAMAGE CONTROL:
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ITEMS IN THE VIDEO
2” x 4” x 4’ lumber:
1” x 4” x 4’ lumber:
1” x 2” furring strip:
1/4” x 1 1/2” x 4’ lath:
22 gauge craft wire: amzn.to/3aAWaHQ
KingCord Nylon Mason’s line cord (#18): amzn.to/2LhTLcF
Bailing wire/16 gauge tie wire: amzn.to/2YF1zbz
9 gauge wire: amzn.to/2O0sQmx
Zinc plated 1.28 inch cup hooks: amzn.to/2YIGaOM
Zinc 1 5/8 inch Eye screw: amzn.to/3tmoSVA
Squirrel Baffle: amzn.to/2O62eRh
Mini binder clips: amzn.to/36HO6E7
Half inch conduit straps: amzn.to/36GjiUm
Plastic Cord locks: amzn.to/2MnQx85
Shoestrings: amzn.to/2MwufAY
EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX50: amzn.to/2G6OgGH
Tripod: Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 : amzn.to/2oTp7Yq
Head: Manfrotto 128RC: amzn.to/2FFO9Ep
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support! 
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Best tutorial I have found to deal with aggressive house sparrows. Easy to make deterrents with common materials is ingenious. Thank you so much!
Thank you. Made my day. I just wished I had known about this twenty years ago.
I built your Wood arms and bailing wire version. I used 16 gauge galvanized steel wire from the hardware store. No sign of house sparrows so far. My American yellow finches and other birds have no problem with it. They will actually perch on the wire waiting for their turn. Thanks for posting this!
That is really good news. I'm very happy to hear that. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for these ideas. I just constructed one based on your ideas and so far is working perfectly!!!
Excellent video! Bravo! Thank you 😊
The string deterrent really works, thanks, that's great advice.
Thanks for doing this Jeff!
Very welcome. Took longer than expected but should help people!
These are great tips; thanks for sharing. I do want to caution folks that birds have wings and wings can get caught in wire. I am a volunteer with a wild bird rescue and have had to deliver a number of birds caught up in wire, fishing line, plastic netting. Shoe laces are probably the best bet, to play it safe.
Would braided yarn be ok to use?
I think plastic is the worst. Everything i read says no to fishing line. The birds can't see it.
I'm not sure yarn is strong enough. And the cord i used broke within a year. Look for craft wire. I really like it. It bends easily.
Wire or rope is the best way to go. Have had mine up around two years and no problems yet. My bird feeder used to be cleared in days. Now it's only native birds and feed lasts much longer
That's awesome news. Keep up the good work. Yes to heavy duty wire or rope. No to fishing line or very fine wire.
I gotta say buddy; you really know how to repurpose wire, laces, and all sorts of stuff for Halos. Great Job..really!
You make me laugh. It does feel good to use things that are laying around.
Thank you for this video I love the way you explain things it all makes sense thank you very much great job on the video
You made my day. I try hard to be clear because most videos i see are useless.
Thank you so much!!! I never thought there was a way to stop the sparrows but wow this works. Used a plastic plant tray and attached some rope with fishing weights. So excited for the winter now to not have to fill the feeder everyday!
I hear you. I'm mad i didn't try it 20 years ago. It's wonderful not to feed the house sparrows.
Great tip. I may have to try this when I setup my feeders again
You should!
OMG OMG
I can't believe it: it works!!!! 🏆🏆
100% Sparrows free feeder for the first time!
At first I was skeptical about it, but it has been 3 days and not even one Sparrow has arrived at the feeder (I used to see flocks of 20-40 sparrows all the time)
They are afraid to approach, while the Woodpeckers, Tits, Bulbuls and European Robin have it all for themselves.
Thank you so much!!!
I'll post a video of it soon, using my other user (Alonteach)
I was very lucky to see your video!
Thank you again.
It truly is amazing. I too was a skeptic. But I'm on year 2 and no house sparrows at the feeders that are protected. Isn't it wonderful.
I remember when I first put mine up. I would get a good laugh at the sparrows trying to fly up to feeder and do a little 180 back down to the ground. The way they flapped their wings was hilarious. Now I never see them.nit does indeed work
Fantastic video! Thank you for the information. I am looking forward to trying it. I've liked and subbed!
You are so welcome and glad to have you as a subscriber! You will be amazed at how well this works.
Great information, thanks for your efforts.
My pleasure!
I enjoy all your videos
Thank you so much. Means a lot to me!
We're on our way to buy a few of the items we need to assemble the cross style halo. We're so grateful to have come across your site!
Thank you for your help. One week ago we had beautiful songbirds at our feeders but one morning we awoke to see only house sparrows... We've decided to give the invaders their own food area and to put halos around the rest of the feeders to see what happens. The squirrels are going to have a field day with those wires!
Fingers crossed. Much appreciation to you!
Did it work? It truly is amazing. I'm kicking myself that i didn't to this year's ago.
This actually works!
Unbelievable!!!👍👍
Please do not feed house sparrow. They can reproduce much faster than our native birds, and they are gaining in population every season. There are House sparrow traps that are effective.
So helpful, thank you!
Glad to help.
The halo is a fantastic idea! I'm going to try it with my feeders. I'm sure I can make these halos by myself, but if I get stuck, I'll just show my husband this video. I'll be binge watching your videos because I just subscribed 2 videos ago.
You
Are making me grin ear to ear. Thank you.
These halos can be made from so many things. Lots of ingenuous people out there
Thank you! I've got a squirrel baffle and I was sure there must be a way to use it, now I have real ideas! I appreciate you! (I live in a small condo and "spare piece of lumber" isn't a thing i have around)
That's awesome. The squirrel baffle works great. I'm still using it.
Brilliant 👍 thanks so much for sharing ❣️
Thank you so much
Great idea and not too difficult! Can’t wait to make one as sparrows have invaded in large numbers!
It really works. Why didn't i do this years ago!
Thank you for this 🙏🏼
Glad you like it
Truly amazing! I didnt know that such a thing existed. I bought materials to make a live trap ghis winter and now I will build halos around other feeders. I just hope the halos don't deter some of the native sparrows, although many of them are migrating south for winter. Thanks for all the examples, this should be fun. Cheers! 😊
This really works.. it's truly amazing. Blue Jays are the only birds I've seen shy away.
Works amazingly well. I used stovepipe wire. It rusts and the chickadees and nuthatches have a good grip while their turn.
No weights are needed.
I think the rigid wire is the way to go. Thanks for sharing. I'm not familiar with stovepipe wire.
Very cool I think I'm going to adopt this For a little bit easier assembly and have the Boy Scouts make their own feeders. We'll talk about invasive species as well. Thanks
That's fantastic news. Great idea.
I got an inexpensive baffle from Menards drilled 4 holes at the sides. Hung 4 long pieces of white pipe cleaners weighed down with some bolts I had. I’m watching those sparrows avoid going to that feeder 😊 Guess I’m going back to Menards for more baffles! Thank you!!
I love what you have done. Great idea. You are a genius.
Used one of ny wife's old stove top inserts, drilled 4 holes, used wire about the same as bread tie wire, then weighed them at the end with old keys. MAN, does it work great, i placed 3 magnets on top since feeder and stove insert are metal, the magnets secure it well. I watched as the sparrows tried over and over to land, notice i said "tried". Thanks for tip!🙏🙋
This is awesome. I love it. Very ingenious.
Wow! I never knew such a thing existed. I have tons of house sparrows that come and crowd out the other birds at my feeders (it gets costly feeding them). I am going to make one of these right away as I am planning on putting up a suet log I am making. Recently we have had a swarm of bushtits and I want them and the woodpeckers to feel at home and and get some of the suet. This looks like it will do the trick.
I wish I had known it about it about 10 or 15 years ago because the house sparrows are such pigs. It's such an amazing device and I can't believe it's not advertised more. Let us know how well it works.
I'm in Rochester, MN, so listening to a "neighbor' had great appeal to me. This video was exactly what I was looking for; I want to deter, not destroy. What I can do is governed by an HOA, so I will have to spruce up my halos, but that's a minor detail.
Glad to hear it. I can't believe more people don't do this.
Thanks Jeff for the super-instructive video! What is the season where you shouldn't use the halo? I'm not a bird expert at all....
I'm told that it loses efficacy when the babies fledge. But i only have house sparrows in the winter. I say try it and see.
Thank God and You for this video !!! need to do this ! Thank You ! Great info !!!
Thanks! Great to hear! It really is a great system and pretty easy to make.
Interesting, thanks. All I've got at my feeders are House Sparrows. I get nothing else at all ever. I buy new food, and fill my feeders and they're empty that same day. I've got a very large bush next to the feeders in my backyard that I think I've got to get rid of too. There's probably 100 house sparrows in it at any one time. They also nest in my birdhouse, and use the birdbath nearby, all within about 20 feet of each other. I've unknowingly created a House Sparrow paradise I think, haha. So I finally looked them up and it seems they're quite a problem.
They were s huge problem. Your bush isn't the problem. You shouldn't allow them to nest. One pair can make 20 babies. They are likely nesting around your neighborhood. Have you looked into trapping?
@@BackyardBirdsUS Hm, trapping? It's just a single birdhouse, but it is entertaining to watch. A Robin nests on my gutter downspout each year too, but they don't use the feeders, just run in the grass looking for worms. Perhaps I'll take the nest down then.
So you have a house sparrow nesting? You could just plug the hole if you don't want to trap.
Thanks for the information. So god. The young house sparrows learn to feed in this feeders?. Is incredible this birds.
@King Joffrey thanks. I have the same problem here in South América.
I have no experience with young sparrows but don't want them to learn. I only feed in the winter.
@@BackyardBirdsUS good tactic.
Thanks. It's pretty amazing.
Jeff, great to see you are well and still birding! This is a great idea and I cannot wait to try it in my front yard where House sparrows have almost taken over
Thank you. You will be amazed at how well it works.
Thanks for the tutorial. I live in San Antonio, TX and have a real problem. Installed the halo on one feeder as a test two weeks ago, and no sparrows on that feeder!
Have you heard of anyone using a halo on a Purple Martin house?
I have not. I'm curious if they would work. Nesting may be a different issue altogether. Seems house sparrows will stop at nothing to nest.
just made one similar to 5:26, Cardinals and Chickadees get sunflower seeds an Sparrows get whats on the ground! the Sparrows, were emptying my feeder daily so im pretty pleased with the results for the half hour of time and a couple bucks for hardware
This is great news. It feels so good to outwit those house sparrows. They really can eat a lot of food.
@@BackyardBirdsUS it's remarkable how well that works.. ive had a trail camera watching for me and the HS are definitely not using my feeder anymore so i'm only refilling every 3 days now! ive also noticed, they dont come in flocks of 30+ at a time anymore either. thanks for taking the time to do ur video an put it on you tube!
You are very welcome. I can't believe now people don't know about this trick. That said, I never knew about it. Hope this helps more people. House sparrows are a pain in the butt!
I did this the sparrows were eating up ALL the feed we put out!!! Averaging 15-30 sparrows at a time! The that time on......
No Sparrows!!! GONE!
Cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees, etc. all come now and eat in peace!!!
UN-FRICKIN-
BELIEVABLE!!!
Thank You!!!
I hear you. It's utterly amazing how it works. It's just hard to believe. Thank you.
I just use monofilament fishing line, nothing elaborate. Works a treat. I have a rather large feeder with three knobs on top. I dangle four to six line from the knobs with 1/4 oz. weight. It amazing how well this works.
The Eurasia sparrows would empty that feeder in one day.
The problem with fishing line is birds can get tangled in it. You may want to replace with wire. That said I'm glad you are having success!
I have to try this as I haven't seen a finch in ages with sparrows cleaning out my mesh finch feeders on a daily basis.
It really works. Oh how i wish i had done this 20 years ago.
This is a terrific resource you've created. Anyone who feeds birds in order to support local native bird populations in the face of dwindling resources (food, nesting spaces) should be aware that House Sparrows are non-native, invasive, produce up to 5 large broods per year, kill native birds for their nesting spaces, and readily outcompete local species for ever-decreasing resources -- "magic halos" like these are immensely helpful at keeping House Sparrows from overwhelming local bird hangouts. Thanks for sharing your work! Are you able to share any updates on how each of these feeders have performed since February 2021?
Since I created all those different halos they're all working and I don't have any sparrows at my feeders. I have sparrows they're just not at the feeders and they do eat some food if they're on the ground. I wish I would have known about this technique 20 years ago I could have saved myself a lot of trouble.
This year those euro sparrows are hitting my mealworm feeder for my bluebirds. They are keeping the bluebirds at bay and the female is in the bird box sitting on some eggs. So I came across this video yesterday and made a setup with some twine and clips off of the shade/rain protector that’s over the feeder. So far yesterday afternoon and this morning there are no sparrows going into the feeder. They are hanging out in the tree nearest the feeder but not on the feeder. I have to see how long this works because so far every thing I have tried over the last 3 years has only worked temporarily. 🤞🏻, thanks for the video.
This is very exciting news. I am amazed how this works. I wished i had done it 20 years ago. I haven't had them get past it but i also trap. But i counted 30 house sparrows and none go past the halo.
This interests me as I had one of those caged double suet feeders with the brown/tan roof and downy's liked to feed from it but so did house sparrows , in fact they raided it in flocks so I took it down a couple yrs ago. So what the heck , I have all the materials needed and made one of your suggested methods , am curious to see if it will work or not, have my doubts as its late in season.
I think it will work. Andi think you'll be wondering why you didn't do this year's ago
Use a Henry smooth bore 22 and 22 birdshot.
I have removed about 400 house sparrows in 3 years. You need to be about 10 feet from them but, I have many times gotten asmany as 4 HOSP with a single shot.
Kinda fun and rewarding.
I have found a 20ga shotgun for the starlings with "low noise" shells when the starlings cover the suet feeder. This has proven extremely effective.
That's great news. Keep it up.
Where I live, I need to be accurate. I have found that the sparrows and starlings are now native aware of laser targeting. They spot the dot following them or on them. Clever invasive evil birds… :)
Thank you for the video. Subscribed.
They are incredibly smart. Keep up the good work.
Simple but amazing. Say, is there a preferable diameter for the ring?
I make the ring big enough to fit around the feeder. I personally think it's the lines hanging from the device that scare them away
Thank you so much! I recently got a flock of sparrows that found us and are pushing out my chickadees, nuthatches, and jays. They are so prolific! They gotta go!
I'm glad you found this. It really will help. After 2 Winters I've had no house sparrows at my feeders.
Thanks! I am going to attach a transparent umbrella on top of my feeder and then attach shoe laces (instead of flex hardware wire) to them.
Great idea. I love hearing what others are trying.
How does this work - or *does* this work to deter Starlings as well? I have a baffle atop a seed log to protect against rain damage as I have had them destroyed because of rain in the past. But now that you suggested this I know of no HOSP partaking, assuming that they just didn't like the seed log, but lots of other native species utilizing, including Red Bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Chipping Sparrows, Chickadees (I thought they were Black Capped, but may be Carolina), Titmouse, Robins and Cardinals, Catbirds, Carolina Wrens. I am also using Squirrel-Proof tube feeders that really do work, which both Starlings and HOSP love that the spare baffle can be used on.
Not sure why but house sparrows don't like it. Starlings are not affected. It's definitely a great way too keep house sparrows off your feeders
I had a house sparrow problem at my feeder last winter. This looks like a great idea to keep them away! I enjoyed seeing white throated sparrows at my feeder, are they affected by the magic halo?
They are not effected from what I've read. Blue Jays don't like it but they get food at my other feeders.
our steller's jays and spotted towhees like to eat off the ground. I don't know how to get rid of the sparrows who eat their food, too. we have way too many sparrows of various types and they're mating all over the lawn. how would I keep feeding them without the sparrows getting to their food?
What gauge is the craft wire used with the squirrel baffle halo?
My craft wire is 22 gauge, but i recommend any wire that is easily visible. It shouldn't difficult to see.
I have heard of the halo before. I have 5 feeders hanging outside my front window, and am thinking about surrounding them with wires hanging. Not a circle, but this might help. Do you think this might work? I love my cardinals, but the sparrows just drive me nuts as they rats with feathers. THANKS!
Yes it works without the halo. Just need vertical weird!
I’ve got so frustrated with these sparrows, I removed most of my feeders. I left my shelled peanut tray and upside down suet feeders out. Those sparrows would empty my regular suet cages and suet nuggets very fast. Looking forward to setting up the deterrents Thank you so much!
You will love how well these work
What's that orange box with a shark fin in the left corner?
Good question. It's a cattle mineral feeder. The orange fin keeps the food dry.
I have a problem with starlings raiding my feeders. Will this help with them.
Unfortunately not at all. Starlings are a whole different problem.
Would this keep sparrows out of purple martin houses as well??
I don't know. It's worth a try. I've never heard of anyone doing it though.
Looking forward to trying this. My sparrows have invaded my feeders and none of my other birds come around anymore.
It really works. I love it
Do you have trouble with starlings? Does this deter them at all?
Sadly no. If i ever discover a deterrent for them I'll post a video. They are the worst.
Where did you get the suet log?
I made the log by drilling holes in it. I have a video on making it.
Does it work for starlings? They have been my main problem.
No it doesn't. You could get a feeder with a cages around it so they can't get the food.
It really worked for me..no sparrows, but the good birds still come
I just attached the hanging strings with duct tape to the covers over my 3 feeders, didn't need weights.
So glad it's working!
the diameter you use is 20", does the diameter matter? can it be smaller than 20" or will that deter all birds. I tried the hallo, it deterred sparrows, but I've not yet had other birds feed. perhaps mine's too small a diameter ?!
The biggest reason I use that diameter is so that it fits on a shepherd's hook. I just went with what I read. You can experiment with other things.
Thanks for the interesting tip on deterring house sparrows and the ideas for affordable ways to put it into action - especially on repurposing old supplies instead of buying new. If you have any similar solutions to deter squirrels, those are my main nemesis in the city.
I hear you on squirrels. A baffle is your best bet. Thanks for the comment!
I sent a Roller Feeder to my inlaws in the city and they reported back that it is working great and is actually entertaining to watch the squirrels try and fail to get any bird seed! We put one up at our house (country area) rigged up to hang underneath a black metal squirrel baffle... for extra reinforcement just in case, and also helps keep snow and rain off the feeder. Our feeders hang off a large "human sized" pergola in which the squirrels climb up and then down onto the feeders. It works fantastic! Not one squirrel has ever gotten any seed from that feeder! They're not cheap, but neither is bird seed! 😀
I'm not familiar with the roller feeder but sounds wonderful. Thanks, I'll look it up.
@@BackyardBirdsUS They are awesome! And as a bonus, House Sparrows don't like the Roller Feeders either! However, you may find that they will use it eventually, especially if you have a large population of them. I have found though, that they much prefer any other type of feeder than the Roller Feeder.
I have heard that hot pepper suet deters squirrels. Birds taste buds do not react to hot pepper seeds like mammals do and they will eat it but squirrels apparently hate it.
Wow thank you so much! Who would’ve known just some stupid wires hanging will deter those pests
I hear you. I wish i had done this 20 years ago.
@@BackyardBirdsUS yeah right lol I don’t want to starve the sparrows but geez, I just want my wood pecked friends to get at least something
so would it work on nesting boxes?
Good question. I'm not sure. I don't recommend it as nesting house sparrows are very aggressive. Best to trap and remove.
Does the halo also deter starlings?
No it does not. I haven't found a deterrent for them. But it works so well for house sparrows.
very creative my friend? if i may know, what is the name of the bird? oh my friend, I have subscribed🤝😁
Did you watch the video?
Will it works for the crows?? there are a lot here in California
It only works on house sparrows that I know of.
Thnx Sr.,,@@BackyardBirdsUS
Trap n kill ,,works😂😂😂
Another option for sure!
I have a random question I have what I think is a mallard female and NOT a rouen she's very small and can fly but rouens can't and they are big so is she really a mallard
More than likely it's a mallard if it can fly and it's brown and they're the most likely native duck to come around people.
my red ryder does a good job
Good for you
Does this mean I won't get Blue Jays back to my feeder?
Just means you need a feeder without wires. I put out peanuts for the blue Jays. They love them. House sparrows don't!
Interesting. I designed and crafted a sparrow-proof mealworm feeder that is shown on a video on my channel, if you want to check it out sometime. A Carolina Wren easily retrieves a mealworm from the feeder at around the 3 & 1/2 minute mark.
You won't sell them & won't reveal how you made it. Your video is a waste of time.
So the sparrows are not eating at it?
@@BackyardBirdsUS They're trying , but with no luck.
@@majorgeneralmalaise I agree. It's absolutely a waste of time, for house sparrows.
Didnt work for me. Took them 10 minutes to adapt, not they just rush through. I'm afraid if I put lines any closer it will draw all the familiae away. Do you know if sparrows can feed hanging upside down tho? Like on horizontal plane but with their paws being above their head.
Where are you and what kind of feeder and what kind of feed? Are you sure they are house sparrows?
I think the don't feed upside down.
@@BackyardBirdsUS yes, those are house sparrows alright. Im at 60 lat in Russia. The feeder is a vertical net cage with very small cells and a roof outside its footprint. In order to feed birds need to hang on the side. Food is seed mix marketed as suitable for wild forest birds (wheat, barley, millet, sunflower, etc.), plain lard (salo without salt), homemade white bread crumbs. At first it mostly attracted tits, but then sparrows completely took over. They even eat salo when it's cold (actually, when it's just about to get cold). I'm thinking of enclosing side cells and putting a net instead of solid bottom part. I know for a fact that it would be no problem for tits to feed this way, hope sparrows wont learn too fast. They could eat whatever drops down.
@@BackyardBirdsUS turns out sparrows do feed upside down 🙃
Hello Robert, I just have another question please can you leave them on all the time? They do work but when I take them off they come back in vengeance they will eat anything I put out. I’m about ready to give up. The only solution left is trapping but I bet the house sparrows are to smart for that here I never did catch the ones that killed my bluebird. 😩 I wish I had someone that was trained to come and trap I would pay money for that. Any advice? Thanks
I leave them on all the time!
@@BackyardBirdsUS hi just thought I would give an update. I put them on all my feeder’s except for my big fly through feeder and one other that it can’t fit on plus I tried the string on them it worked but it also keeps my cardinals away to so I think I will leave it off those two feeders I love my cardinals. There working like charms of course they don’t keep 100% off cause one or two will go in but I’m very happy with the results. The only thing is I have to take them off on real windy days cause the wind with pick baffles up with feeders like umbrellas. Thank you so much for sharing this idea it is awesome!
Thanks for sharing. I don't do all my feeders as well. I want Cardinals!
@@BackyardBirdsUS so it’s not just my cardinals ☹️ dang it I wished they wasn’t bothered by them it would be a dream come true lol. Oh well, nothing’s perfect but it’s so much better then the alternative. 👍😁
Are the Cardinals getting food elsewhere?
I can deal with the house sparrows as they are in decline in the Uk so happy to feed them and love their cheekiness. Sparrows though are an absolute pest and decimate the bird feeder in my garden. A vast flock swoops in fairly frequently and you cannot see the fence through the birds. It’s insane.
I'm confused. What are the so called sparrows that are a nuisance to you. Never heard of that before. Are you in the uk?
Will this deter cardinals? We want to keep cardinals in and keep the sparrows out.
From what I know bluejays affected. I'm not sure about cardinals. But think they are okay.
@@BackyardBirdsUS We tried your trick and it worked. No more sparrows. The cardinals were not bothered and came to eat every day. It was lovely to watch them. In our case, the Blue jays were not deterred but we didn't have many. Thanks for the tutorial.
Does this also deter squirrels? Or is there anything else?
The only squirrel deterrence is a baffle
we switched to only safflower seed in one feeder and nyjer in another. The squirrels don't like either and no longer come around. Although the chipmunks still like the safflower. But it has greatly reduced our squirrel population.
Hello, mine is not working to well. Would it make a difference what color string or if there is a string attached to the bottom to keep them from swinging? Dang it I have tried everything I will probably take some feeders down. Some of them are even eating my safflower. I am about to give up. Please let me know if I could be doing something wrong. Thanks
Update-Mine is not working at all and that is a big disappointment 😩
I made sure it was made correctly also. Oh well, it was worth a try these house sparrows are driving me nuts. There eating everything I mean everything even nyjer and safflower seed. Thanks for the video though.
@@robertmartin1142 hello Robert, I thought about that cause I am using purple rope the size of a shoe string it’s just what I had laying around. I’m using it on the gray squirrel baffle just like the one in your video. I was going to use fishing line but from what I’ve read that’s not such a good idea wouldn’t want the birds to get caught up in it. I also have some white rope the size of a shoe lace I might try but I would like to try what you are using first. What size is the black nylon cord you are using please I found some 1.5mm? I would like to give it a go. Thanks so much for trying to help I really don’t want to take anymore feeders down.
@@MunchkinMoD Hi, i'd say 1.5 mil is about the size line im using, i have 3/8 nuts ties to the ends that hang down an inch or so below the feeder perches and the lines are appox 7-8 inchs from the side of my feeder.
@@robertmartin1142 okay thank you! I’m going to try it…I really hope it works.
As far as I know the string color doesn't matter but you need to make sure the string hangs about 6 in below the bottom of the feeder and you should weight the strings with something.
Robert you give very good instructions thank you.
Why are house sparrows troubled by these wires?
Great question. They just don't. It's truly amazing.
Hello again Robert, I finally got mine made out of 1.5 black nylon cord but I’m testing it on the nyjer seed feeder first. Do you know if gold finches are affected by it? Thanks
Hi Robert, just wanted to give an update. I finally got it up and I’m so surprised but it is working a lot it doesn’t keep them all off but it has made a huge difference. Thank you so much for sharing this the house sparrows can be a big struggle. They only concern I have now is it keeping my goldfinches away also. I have only saw one on my feeder but it could be that they haven’t got back yet after baby raising. So I will let you know what happens. Thanks again.
Goldfinches are not deterred. The only bird other than house sparrows that I've seen deterred are Blue Jays. But there could be other species that I don't have. It's good for people to report what they're seeing and what birds it works on,
@@BackyardBirdsUS hi, my goldfinches are not back yet the two that visited looked like juveniles they didn’t know what to eat and was a bit clumsy but they did use it so I’m hoping when the others return it won’t bother them either I will let you know, they should start showing back up soon. I’m missing them I will be very happy when they return hopefully with a lot of new juveniles. 😊
My gold's finches just showed up a few weeks ago. They aren't bothered at all.
@@BackyardBirdsUS mine haven’t got back yet I just have two ever now and again but the nylon string definitely makes a big difference on it cause I just get a couple on it every now and again with the nylon string cause it wasn’t long after I removed it that there flocking it again it was full today. When my goldfinches come back I’m going to put it back on so they can eat. I thought they would be back by now. Don’t know where there at….
So it's working. That's whati like to hear. I'm over run with the blasted critters. They aren't eating from feeders with the strings but they'll eat corn i put on the ground. And they are irritating me!
I feel about blackbirds the way you do about house sparrows. Fortunately house sparrows don't bother the block suet feeders I use...so far. 😉
I think you mean starlings.. they love suet. And they are worse than house sparrows in my opinion.
@@BackyardBirdsUS starlings and blackbirds are the bane of my existence! Actually both mostly eat from the seed feeders but can empty them all (4) in a very short time. I try to remember that they need to eat too but wish they would eat in the field across the road from me!
Starlings are the worst. I need a starling resistant feeder video. That said. Look for squirrel resistant feeders as they can help.
@@BackyardBirdsUS I have looked at videos and the best ones seem to be diy not bought. Haven't gotten materials needed yet. My dog has been doing a fairly good job keeping the squirrels away. But the birds come back after a few minutes.
My guess is they think it is a snake or lizard. Something that naturally predated them in Europe. Maybe some kind of vine that had thorns..
Good conjecture. They must see it as a threat.
In the UK I love having House sparrows and Starlings on my bird feeders
I'm glad to hear that. They should be appreciated in their native land where they are part of your local ecosystem. Do you supply nesting boxes?
I am wondering, how did those scientists guess that a wire will keep out sparrows and only sparrows! :)
I have no idea. It doesn't really make sense to me.
Where's my dancing nuthatch?!!
That is a different channel
You’re thinking of MyBackyardBirding I’m pretty sure.
Wrong channel, but glad you are here.
This halo work for me during the summer but the house sparrows were so hungry during fall they just ignored the wires and completely took over my feeders . 😭
Very interesting. I've not heard of that happening. I'm very sorry.
Japanese sparrows are cute.
I'm uploading a sparrow playing in the snow.
What is a Japanese sparrow?
All sparrows are cute, I don't get all this native vs non native thing.
I mean, yeah we can come in groups and clean out all the food, sure. But why bring race and geography into this?
It's not race or geography. It's a species. Look up invasive species and learn.
@@BackyardBirdsUS
So why aren't sparrows invasive anywhere else in the world, just in the U.S.?
They are invasive in other places that's they are introduced but not in their home range of Europe.
It’s almost end of July, is it too late to put one of these up?
I think it's okay but i only use it in the winter.
You're lucky that you don't have a starling problem!
I have yet to find a deterrence for starlings.
I simply have to try it.
I have tooooo many Sparrows.
By the way, here, when the woodpecker arrives, sparrows go away and wait for it to go. But the tits have to wait for the sparrows to leave.
Where are you? I see the sparrows attack everything.
@@BackyardBirdsUS I'm in Israel.
Sparrows that stay on the feeder while the woodpecker arrives (Syrian woodpecker), are chased away.
But when the woodpecker is away, they empty the feeder very fast and keep the Tits and Bulbuls away.
This is my new Sparrow proof Ground feeder (just made it): ruclips.net/video/jr09lA1dyFk/видео.html
Hope it woul be useful for someone
Thank you for the information.
Your basket feeder is ingenuous!
@@BackyardBirdsUS thank you
The house sparrows are hungry too ... 😢😢
They are an menace to our native birds. I recommend you research their invasive species status.
to many sparrows everywhere
Definitely. They are everywhere.
I got a permanent solution. A .25 caliber pneumatic air rifle. Works for starlings too
Good for you!
Why would you want to get rid of house sparrows? At this point in life it doesn't make sense to think in terms of native species. We have completely changed our landscaping views. I think a better way to.keep native species is by planting native trees and plants, so they attract naturally local species.
Because house sparrows actively eliminate native cavity nesting birds. But your advice to plant native is excellent and it's also very helpful. Thanks.
Did you know a house sparrow will trap other birds in the cavity and kill them? If it wasn't for people eliminating house sparrows blue birds, tree swallows, and purple martins would have little chance to nest successfully.
I came across a nest in the stove pipe from our garage. I pulled it out and it was full of layers. The bottom layer had skeletons of babies and shards of blue eggshells. The layer covering it was made of plastic bag pieces and loose material.
We had had robins in that pipe at one time, but now there are house sparrows all over the place. I'd believed that the robins had moved on, but the sparrows had obviously massacred the chicks and driven the robins out.
It's not a case of native vs non-native species. It's a case of invasive species that are killing and driving otherwise native species away from their habitats. We have plenty of non-native life forms that are NOT invasive and I'm happy to see them.
Wow. Really well said. I tend to think native vs not. But it's really non native invasive species. Oh yeah sounds like house sparrows nested on top of robins. They are super aggressive birds.
Sparrows are not invasive species. Their population is getting thin.... Soons Sparrows will reach extinction level.
You mean house sparrows. They are incredibly invasive and damaging and not native in North America. They are not a problem in their native land.
Why entice birds to your garden and then be selective on whom you feed, seems a bit cruel for sparrows.
They're invasive and deter/kill native species
I don't entice them. I discourage them. They are an invasive species. They prevent many native species from nesting and will kill them on the nest. I encourage you to learn more about them in north America where they were introduced.
Leave the sparrows alone, did you ever think that maybe someday they will be the only birds left.
That is a possibility because they would have killed all the native birds. These guys are invasive and very aggressive
I do leave native sparrows alone, but not these unprotected, invasive species from the old world. They aren't part of our ecosystem and wreak havoc on our native birds!
Oh yeah and guess what? Killing starlings and house sparrows doesn’t reduce their populations. Like other animals, they will breed more often
Sorry but it does work. Plenty of native birds are successful because of it.
HEY!!!! THE SPARROWS DESERVE FOOD AS WELL!! HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU WERE A SPARROW AND YOU WERE BANNED FROM COMING TO GET FOOD!?!? PLEASE REMOVE ALL OF THE STUFF SO THE SPARROWS CAN GET FOOD!! #sparrowsdeservefoodaswell #sparrowsmatter
Are you serious. So you like them eating all the food so the native birds have none. Learn about them. They are invasive. They are not protected. They cause so much damage to our native birds. And trust me. They still will find food.
I feed all birds - you should too, and not discriminate on selective species
The sparrow is an invasive species, and a lot of native bird populations are going extinct. Why would you hate on the small group of people who are trying to create spaces for the native birds to survive? You be you, and let them do their own thing as well.
Watch the video on the invasive house sparrow. They are not welcome.
House sparrows have taken over my yard. They go after my small dogs daily and leave a mess all over my planters and bird bath. I fill my feeders every other day and watch as they chase off cardinals and other birds native to my state. I was ready to remove the feeders until I saw this video!! Thanks for the information!
It's not picking one bird over another. It's about invasive species and the damage they do to our native birds.
Trust me. This will work. I wish I had done it years ago. But at least now people can learn.