Caged feeders with smaller openings are a great option to stop larger birds from grabbing your seed. You can also place a wire cage around a feeder you already own. Grackles do not like to hang upside down. Buying an upside-down bird feeder would be a great option to keep grackles away from the bird seed.
You can also use a deterrent that sounds like a grackle in distress. This, too, will alert grackles to danger and cause them to avoid the area. Place your noise deterrent in areas where grackles are most likely to roost. One downside to noise deterrents would be the unwanted deterrence of smaller, less aggressive birds that you may enjoy. Noise deterrents are best used in large fields to protect crops.
Gradually move your predator decoy throughout your property to give the illusion of movement and make the decoy more believable to grackles. [5] X Research source A predator decoy may inadvertently keep away more friendly birds from your property.
Many store bought bird feeders provide removable perches. A lot of smaller birds can hover while eating from a bird feeder, so feel free to remove the perches. You can also adjust the size of your bird feeder’s perch by trimming them to only accommodate smaller birds. Tap them down with a hammer or use a small rotary tool to trim your perch to approximately 3⁄8 to 7⁄8 inch (0. 95 to 2. 22 cm), too small for grackles. [7] X Research source
Safflower, nyjer, and thistle seeds are also great for attracting finches, chickadees, and other small birds. Since grackles are not picky eaters, they may be desperate enough to eat food they would normally dislike. [9] X Research source Experiment with different bird feed to see which works best at keeping the grackles away. Safflower seeds are harder seeds, meaning certain birds, like some sparrows, will have difficulty opening and eating them. Keep this in mind if you would like to attract these birds.
Some brands and types of bird repellent gel may work more than others so there may be a trial and error period to see which gel is best suited for your situation. Since there is no grackle specific repellent gel, this method may prevent other larger sized birds, like pigeons and starlings, from returning to your property as well.
Predator bird kites can be moved from location to location on your property to mimic movement. The grackles will remember the hovering threat and avoid your backyard. If you live in a high wind area, this may not be the most suitable method for you.
If removing the shrubbery is too extreme, you can trim them. Grackles can also make any cool and covered area their new home, so look out for unattended grills, cabanas, and sheds. Make sure they are properly maintained and fully sealed. Gaps in your home’s siding or roofing can also become a prime spot for grackles to roost. Repair and replace any damage to the outside of your home to prevent the grackles from sharing your home rent-free.
Most ultrasonic bird repellents are fairly affordable and customizable to fit your needs. They are also low profile, so they won’t be an unruly eyesore on your property. Depending on the model of your ultrasonic bird repellent, they can also be equipped with a visual deterrent that works in step with the ultrasonic pitch.
Place reflective deterrents near places grackles like to roost, such as shrubs, trees, or nooks on your property. Bird tape is a reflective adhesive that you can apply to any area on your property that you want to keep grackles or any other nuisance bird away from. Reflective deterrents work best in ample sunlight during the daytime, so they will be much less effective on cloudy days or in areas with plenty of shade.
Liquid bird repellent is a versatile option. Apply it to areas grackles frequent, such as shrubs, roofs, siding, and even trees. This bird repellent may need to be reapplied often in areas of high rainfall.
You can completely change your routine or even make the feeding less routine. Make your feeding times unpredictable. This will encourage the grackles to seek out a more stable food source. One side effect to changing your routine is the possibility of scaring off other birds as well, which may be undesirable for bird lovers.
Calling a professional may be costly upfront, but it can save you money in the long run if your property is large or your grackle population has gotten out of control. Professionals can help you decide which is the best course of action for your property and aid in preventing grackles from returning in the future.
