How do you keep woodpeckers away from a humming bird feeder? Two days ago this little black and white woodpecker showed up and he is able to get his beak in the holes and makes a big mess with the syrup and chases away the birds. Any ideas?
Hardiness Zone: 5b
By jill from nw PA
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I too have this same problem. I have put two humming bird feeders up which helps a bit. If you buy the very small hb feeders with no rail for them to perch on only the hummers will be able to use it. I make my own humming bird solution with 1 part sugar, and 4 parts water, i.e. 1 Cup sugar to 4 cups water. I stir well then nuke this till dissolved. I make large batches and store it in the fridge. You need no food coloring. Use no honey either, just regular sugar. Anything other than real white sugar and water will harm the birds. I also make my solution a little sweeter, like 1/2 cup of water less than the 4 cups. The Audubon society has approved this recipe. Other wise i would go broke buying the pre made mixes.
I have had luck keeping territorially aggressive robins from chasing my orioles away from their jelly feeders by shooting AT them with my garden hose. This had stopped the robins from claiming "their" jelly stations.
Be grateful you have a variety of birds, hummers, woodpeckers, orioles, robins & more! Read about the birds & and animals that visit you. The variety tells you that your place is environmetally friendly (a good thing). Put up another hummer feeder or 2, the hummers will find them & enough food to go around. Woodpeckers, hummers & others also eat lots of insects for protein which is good for humans & plants.
I have 4 hummingbird feeders and the woodpeckers and humming birds share.
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