Thursday, October 1, 2026
In Part 1 of this bird feeder advice, I wrote “you provide it and they will come.” I was thinking about birds, but the same is likely true for squirrels and a few other creatures that you didn’t intend to invite. While some folks worry about rats (and I will get to them in a minute), the biggest problems locally are eastern gray squirrels.
This is an invasive species. They were transported numerous times to urban locations in the early 1900s and are now widespread. They compete with native species and a pest species whose main survival strategy is cuteness. They enjoy sunflower seeds and will perform amazing feats to raid bird feeders. The primary approaches to controlling their activities is to suspend the feeder(s) from a long chain, or to use a feeder pole with a metal covering or a baffle to prevent climbing.
These mitigation techniques might keep the squirrels on the ground where they will contest with juncos and sparrows for the seeds that fall from above. As an invasive species, eastern gray squirrels are not protected and may be hunted year-around. However, assuming that you are not interested in lethal alternatives, I suggest squirrel-proof feeders and tolerance as the best approach.
Other squirrel feeder visitors are possible. Our native Douglas squirrel, smaller tree dweller, is common in woodsy areas and will sometimes visit bird feeders. But they are oriented toward other food sources and are seldom a problem.
Several years ago, at an evening dinner party, we all heard a loud thump on the window. Outside on the deck was a slightly stunned northern flying squirrel. I was surprised to learn from our host that flying squirrels occasionally visit her bird feeders.
Northern flying squirrels are very different from other squirrels. First, they’re quite small (about the size and shape of a baked potato) and have long flat tails and huge eyes. They’re strictly nocturnal and fairly common in our conifer forests. They don’t technically “fly;” they glide using folds of skin located between the front and hind legs. And, yes, they can glide to bird feeders otherwise unavailable to other mammalian visitors.
If you live near mature conifers, you may have flying squirrel visitors and not even know it. You can defeat these visitors by taking in feeders at night. But these guys are so darn cute; if I had flying squirrel visitors, I would welcome them and try to get a peek at their nocturnal forays.
Rats attending bird feeders may occasionally be a problem in our more urban areas. They are nocturnal and typically are seen on the ground cleaning up fallen food. They may be particularly attracted to suet feeders. The best approach to avoiding rat visitors is to take in feeders at night and clean up below your feeder. If your bird feeding is modest and small scale, you likely will not have to deal with rat visitors.
The last unwanted visitors are not after bird seed, but the birds themselves. Accipiters are hawks that prey on other birds. Two species, the larger Cooper’s hawk and the smaller sharp-shinned hawk, may think your feeders are a happy hunting ground. They sometimes will take up residence near a busy feeder and, if your feeder visitors seem especially nervous or noisy, this could be the reason. It’s generally a short-term problem, however, because these predators depend on stealth, and once their presence is known they will usually move on to find less wary prey.
Providing bird seed for feeders is big business; there are many retail stores offering selections and many choices available. Here’s what to look for:
The No. 1 choice (and my No. 1 recommendation) for almost all birds is black oil sunflower seeds. They are highly nutritious and readily taken by virtually all birds in our area. I keep a supply of these seeds for when winter weather strikes. They can be scattered in sheltered areas not covered by snow or even on top of the snow.
Two other seeds are readily eaten by most of our local birds — millet seeds and safflower seeds. The former are quite small and appeal to smaller birds like chickadees and juncos. Safflower seeds have a white shell and, when scattered, are easily visible. These seeds usually are sold in mixed-seed packages, but be cautious. Some companies mix in wheat or red porso, cheap filler seeds that birds often reject, leaving uneaten seed on the ground.
Ground feeding birds like doves, pigeons and the California quail are partial to scattered cracked corn in addition to whatever might drop from feeders. Some seed mixes will include a bit of corn.
Not surprisingly, larger birds seem to favor larger seeds. Our local jays, both Stellar’s and scrub, like large striped sunflower seeds and peanuts. I’ve seen jays stuff peanuts in their cheeks, fly off to hide them, and then return for more. A small flock of jays can make quick work of a pile of peanuts.
In researching for this column, I stumbled upon an online store that offers 135 different selections of bird food! Wow! But my advice is to keep it simple.
If you want to discuss alternatives for bird food and bird feeders, I’d suggest a visit to Wild Birds Unlimited, located on Cooper Point Road in West Olympia and elsewhere. This is a nationwide chain of specialty stores. You can rely on getting sound information here, even if you choose not to make a purchase.
George Walter is environmental program manager at the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s natural resources department; he also has a 45+ year interest in bird watching. He may be reached at george@theJOLTnews.com
Bird photos for this column are provided by Liam Hutcheson, an 18-year-old Olympia area birder and avid photographer.
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DHanig
We had squirrel acrobats invading all our feeders despite best efforts to make them inaccessible. What worked for us was purchasing hot pepper-laden bird seed. Works like a charm. The hot chilis don't bother the birds but are anathema to squirrels
Thursday, November 20, 2025 Report this
ClimateTeam
At my last residence had a Coopers Hawk who I saw sitting on the feeder. I often found piles of feathers in the yard. He (or she) seemed to favor pigeons - slow and fat. Thanks for the great info! Birds Unlimited is a great place for seed and also advice.
Friday, November 21, 2025 Report this