Lillian shows how to keep unwanted bird species from bird feeders. Next, viewers take a closer look at the pecking order in the bird kingdom. On this program, Don and Lillian also wing their way to the Maine coast for a glimpse of such natives as Common Terns, Double-crested Cormorants, and Common Eiders. Finally, our hosts offer tips on birding as a couple and take a special moment to watch beautiful Lapland Longsurs at the shore.
How-To: Selective Bird Feeding—Keeping Big Birds Out
There are many ways to keep large birds, like grackles, from monopolizing the bird feeder. Try tubular feeders that have a wire cage around them with openings in the wire that will allow small birds in and keep grackles out. Some feeders have adjustable platforms attached to a door that will close over the seed portal when a heavier bird lands on them. Offer thistle seed in a thistle feeder that has tiny holes. Birds like grackles cannot use these feeders, but birds, such as American Goldfinches, House Finches, Purple Finches, and even chickadees, will. There is a type of suet holder that comes surrounded by a wire cage that larger birds cannot enter but birds, like Downy Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and titmice, will use. These items are available in retail outlets and wild bird specialty stores.
Time Out To Watch: Lapland Longspurs
Lapland Longspurs breed in Alaska and far northern Canada. They are the most widespread longspur in winter in the U.S. Look for them in winter in open grassy areas, plowed agricultural fields, airports, and sometimes beaches. We photographed the Lapland Longspurs for our TV series in Alaska. It was spring and they were in their breeding plumage.
