Pigeons can be a real nuisance in the garden, especially when they scare away smaller birds from a bird feeder – but there’s an easy hack to keep them at bay and off your bird feeders
Autumn brings a wonderful opportunity to spot all manner of creatures in your garden, yet numerous birds can find themselves frightened off by greedy pigeons scoffing all the grub from bird feeders.
Countless local species including robins, blackbirds and blue tits remain in Britain throughout the year and must accumulate fat stores to endure the bitter winter cold.
Pigeons dwarf most typical garden birds and frequently feast in flocks, which can daunt and chase away smaller species from feeders. Nevertheless, specialists at Webbs Garden Centre have revealed a simple method to banish pigeons from gardens whilst welcoming other birds – simply clear away any fallen seeds.
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They explained: “One of the key attractors to pigeons is dropped seed from bird feeders. Pigeons are attracted to this easy meal and will return once they find a bird feeder that deposits bird seed on the floor and the surrounding areas.
“Catching fallen seeds in a receptacle that is not easily accessed by pigeons can stop pigeons before they become an issue in the garden.”
Pigeons instinctively forage on ground level, and typically won’t bother flying upward or perching at height to feed as other birds naturally do, reports the Express.
They generally only venture into gardens after spotting seeds scattered on soil or flat surfaces such as tables, otherwise they’ll seek out simpler food sources elsewhere. All it takes is a quick five-minute tidy to pick up any fallen seeds from your birdfeeder, and you’ll likely deter the pesky pigeons from returning to your garden.
It’s worth noting that pigeons are early risers, often foraging shortly after sunrise, so make sure to clear away any dropped seeds in the late afternoon or evening to keep them at bay.
If you don’t mind feeding the pigeons but want to give our native birds a fair shot during the chilly weather, consider setting up two separate feeders in your garden. Simply set one feeder near the ground, filling it with pigeon favourites like oatmeal, bread, and corn.
Ensure the two feeders are well apart in different areas of the garden, then fill the higher one with foods pigeons aren’t fond of, such as nyjer seeds, suet balls, and sunflower hearts.
An expert shared: “You might be surprised to learn that pigeons aren’t as keen on certain types of bird food. By selecting these specific types of food pigeons are less likely to hang around your bird feeder.”
By making the effort to deter pigeons, smaller birds will feel much more at ease visiting your garden, and you’re likely to see plenty of robins, blackbirds, and other favourites this autumn.
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