1. Remove Food Sources: To discourage blackbirds and grackles, remove open food sources like seeds and suet from feeders during peak activity times.
2. Use Feeders with Small Openings: Opt for feeders with smaller openings that prevent larger birds like blackbirds and grackles from accessing the food.
3. Offer Safflower Seeds: These seeds are favored by smaller birds but tend to repel blackbirds and grackles, keeping them away from feeders.
4. Install Spinning Feeders: A spinning feeder can deter larger birds as they struggle to access the food, making it a great tool for excluding blackbirds.
5. Hang Feeders in Secluded Areas: Placing feeders in areas with dense foliage or near trees makes it harder for large birds to reach them.
6. Use Bird Netting or Bird Spikes: Installing netting or spikes around feeders can prevent blackbirds from landing and feeding while allowing smaller birds to access food.
7. Change Feeder Types Regularly: Switching up the type of feeder can keep blackbirds and grackles from getting comfortable, forcing them to look for food elsewhere.
8. Use Reflective Deterrents: Hanging shiny, reflective objects like aluminum foil or CD discs around feeders can scare blackbirds and grackles away.