- Crows can often intimidate other smaller birds if they’re properly deterred from your feeder.
- Some tips include choosing specific bird seeds, using shiny objects, and investing in crow-proof bird feeders.
- Other methods include timing when you hang your bird feeders and creating a space for crows far from other bird feeders.
Whether you’re an avid bird fanatic or enjoy birds’ colorful and lively presence outside your window, it’s the perfect time of year to set up bird feeders. However, the draw of bird feed can invite other less-than-desirable guests, notably crows.
Crows, like other birds, are drawn to the promise of bird feed, but they often intimidate and bully smaller bird species in the process. So, how do you deter crows from swarming your bird feeders There are several ways to keep crows at bay without harming them or needing to call a pest specialist.
We spoke to a few experts for their tips on the best way to keep crows away from your bird feeders this season.
Be Selective With Your Bird Seed
One way to ensure crows won’t be drawn to your bird feeders is by being selective with what you put inside them. Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, recommends steering clear of a crow’s favorite snacks: peanuts and sunflower seeds. On the other hand, both experts also noted that certain seeds can serve as a crow repellent.
“Feed birds with nyjer (for finches) or safflower (for cardinals); crows don’t really like them,” Carpenter says.
Hang Feeders Earlier in the Day
While it can be tricky to know for certain, only hanging your feeders when crows aren’t active can help avoid an infestation.
“If you’re able to keep track of when the crows are around the most, you can plan to put the seed out during the times when they aren’t as active,” Tammy Sons, founder of TN Nursery, says.
Carpenter agrees, noting that hanging feeders early and taking them down before late afternoon can be beneficial. However, some crows tend to be very active in the early mornings, so you may have to do some trial and error to determine when the crows are out and about.
Use Shiny Objects
While there is a common misconception that crows are drawn to shiny objects, the opposite is usually true. Reflective surfaces, in particular, can scare off crows because their reflections cause them to believe other birds are present.
Sons recommends placing shiny or reflective objects near/around your feeders, which is likely to convince crows that the territory is already “claimed” by others. This can work well to deter crows without having to harm them.
Create a “Crow Space”
If crows are insistent about visiting your yard, you may consider setting up a special area for them so they aren’t interacting with your other bird feeders. Carpenter recommends setting up a snack station for crows with their favorite food far from your other bird feeders.
Another thing to consider if you are creating an area for crows is to place it in an open, unobstructed space. Crows prefer clear flight paths and aren’t as drawn to areas that are harder to navigate or heavily covered.
Invest in a Crow-Proof Bird Feeder
Crows are considered one of the more intelligent birds, meaning sometimes you’ll need specific equipment to do the job. Both of our experts recommended investing in crow-proof bird feeders, which come in many varieties and have different methods to deter them.
“You could use a crow-proof feeder, which has a smaller opening that crows aren’t able to get into – but it won’t stop the smaller birds from entering,” Sons explains.
You can also look into feeders with extra protection, according to Carpenter.
“Go with weight-sensitive or caged feeders that physically block larger birds like crows, but still let songbirds dine in peace,” she advises.
If you don’t want to shell out the cash for a brand new bird feeder, Carpenter recommends using a harmless negative trigge” to deter crows from sticking around. A motion fan or sprinkler system that only activates when the crows come around can teach them to stay away.