JuniperlouA question for folks with bird feeders: I have a tube feeder with sunflower seeds. There is a group of blue jays that feed at it, as well as one or two chickadees. The chickadees tend to come once the jays have eaten most of the sunflower seeds and (I assume) find it hard to get the last little bit out. Is there a way I can change the set up so that both types of birds can come and feed at the same time, or will the chickadees always wait until it's quieter?
Frances Gertsch@shaninthewoods The Blue Jay are bullies. The Black-capped Chickadee will wait until they are gone. You could also scatter some seed - you might get Dark Eyed Junco and some others if you do that. Chickadee tend to let the others feed first. Niger seed, though expensive draws in American Goldfinch and even some Common Red Poll if you’re lucky. You might need a different feeder for Niger seed as the seeds are very small.
@frances Thanks, I'll look into that! There have been goldfinches in past years, but I haven't seen any this year. And I noticed a junco this afternoon. I think the jays end up scattering some seeds when they feed.