Birds of prey present an impressive display of the power of nature. While majestic to behold, their presence in your garden, especially one visited by songbirds, may be unwanted. Follow these tips to protect your favorite native Bird species from the hungry eyes and lethal strike of predatory birds.

Stick to higher ground

It’s best to avoid ground feeding and lower standing feeders. A plump little bird out in the open is the perfect target for a keen eyed hawk. Offer sheltered feeders or place feeders under partial shade; umbrellas, awnings, roofs and low hanging branches are all excellent forms of coverage and are a very simple solution to persistent problem.

Think like a predator

Birds of prey typically scan their hunting ground from a high vantage point. Try to remove these high perches if possible because without a good view of the ground a predatory bird will not bother wasting energy on a fruitless hunt. If removing these perches is impossible then return to the first tip, as coverage is your best defense.

Run off your rodents

While it’s the native birds you’re trying to protect, its the voles and mice that brought the bigger bird in the first place. Birds of prey prefer rodents and are great at reducing those populations. It’s when they turn their talons against songbirds that problems arise. Simply rid yourself of rodents and you won’t have to worry about anymore death from above.

Give your guests options

If you place your feeders near some large shrubs or other dense foliage you’ll be helping your bird friends out in two ways. First you’ve provided an easily reachable panic room that they can fly to when a dangerous shadow passes overhead. Second, if the feeder isn’t safe for the moment the shrubs can provide nutrition through its seeds or berries. Sometimes “dining in” is the best option.

Pack it up (temporarily)

If your looming terror from above just doesn’t seem to be getting the hint its time to get serious. Remove your feeders for a few days. You might miss seeing your little birds congregating around their feeders, but after a few days of no songbirds, the predatory bird will  make like its food source and move on. Fortunately, songbirds often return quickly as soon as you reinstall your feeders.

IMPORTANT: Most predatory birds are under protection of the United States and it is not only unwise to trap or kill them it is illegal. If you’ve tried everything and you’re still plagued by birds of prey, call the professionals and they will use ethical methods to remove the bird safely.

Stay safe, and happy birding!

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