On www.feederwatch.org it says that suet cages are not a Common Grackles’ favorite type of feeder, so I’m guessing they only come to this one because it does not hang vertically.
Unlike some people, I do not mind feeding blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, or even squirrels. In fact I rather like crows. (Unfortunately, they’re too afraid to come this close to the house, even to feed. 😔) I believe that since we humans are a major part of their decline, we should try to help ALL birds, even if they’re not our favorite. I love every animal, especially birds, but I will admit that blackbirds and squirrels tend to monopolize the feeders, so don’t worry. 😉 I also put out feeders that larger birds and squirrels have a hard time using.
Strange. FeederWatch also says that American Goldfinches don’t eat suet or like suet cages, but they totally do! I have a family group of 3 goldfinches—an adult male and female and a juvenile male— and they absolutely love the mealworm and sunflower seed suet I put out. (The suet at the very top.) someone really needs to update the common feeder birds guide!
I have two Downy Woodpecker that comes to my suet EVERYDAY and eat non-stop! Male and Female, probably feeding babies. I love hearing them drill holes in our trees everyday!
Me too! I only get a male, but he is a consistent bird at my feeder. I call him Woody. He really loves the mealworm and sunflower seed suet I put out, but he also eats the peanut suet.
Unlike some people, I do not mind feeding blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, or even squirrels. In fact I rather like crows. (Unfortunately, they’re too afraid to come this close to the house, even to feed. 😔) I believe that since we humans are a major part of their decline, we should try to help ALL birds, even if they’re not our favorite. I love every animal, especially birds, but I will admit that blackbirds and squirrels tend to monopolize the feeders, so don’t worry. 😉 I also put out feeders that larger birds and squirrels have a hard time using.
I live in Wisconsin and I always have a small flock of Common Grackles hoarding my 2 suet feeders each day.
Strange. FeederWatch also says that American Goldfinches don’t eat suet or like suet cages, but they totally do! I have a family group of 3 goldfinches—an adult male and female and a juvenile male— and they absolutely love the mealworm and sunflower seed suet I put out. (The suet at the very top.) someone really needs to update the common feeder birds guide!
I agree! My American Goldfinches like the suet as well!
I have two Downy Woodpecker that comes to my suet EVERYDAY and eat non-stop! Male and Female, probably feeding babies. I love hearing them drill holes in our trees everyday!
I have two Red-bellied, two Downy, and a couple of Hairy Woodpeckers come every day!
Me too! I only get a male, but he is a consistent bird at my feeder. I call him Woody. He really loves the mealworm and sunflower seed suet I put out, but he also eats the peanut suet.
I have seen a Red-Bellied Woodpecker near my feeder a few times, but it hasn’t actually been brave enough to come and eat yet.
I haven’t gotten a Hairy Woodpecker yet, though. I put out all these feeders like, only a month ago, so most birds don’t even know about it yet.
We like to feed the House Sparrows and European Starlings.
Sometimes we have doves eat the suet hanging from our oak tree.