I wouldn’t have thought it, but doves are smart.
They have been determined to find a way past the cage we put around the birdfeeder –pretty much since the very moment it was first up there.
The cage is there because the doves had flocked to the feeder between 20-30 at a time, all grabbing as much as possible from the feeder before the next birds shoved them off. We just couldn’t afford to fill the feeder twice a day, which is what was starting to happen. And the little songbirds couldn’t get through without a pause in the dove line-up.
The cage worked beautiful, and the doves struggled to find a way in. They had trouble landing, and they weren’t keen on putting their large bodies through the cage “windows.” Instead, they had to accept the food we sprinkled on the ground for them. And suddenly we weren’t having to fill the feeder more than once in 3 days. Heaven.
But the drive for the treasure of seed inside the cage kept those persistent doves trying. They’d observe the other birds patiently. And finally some figured out how to land just right to get their body through an opening. They could either hold onto the cage precariously, stretching their neck through to grab some seed…
or if they landed just right, they could hop through the window and walk on the tray below.
Well, now they are used to it and we are back to two doves at a time sometimes on the feeder. Still better than the 20ish that would fight over the feeder — at least the cage prevents that!
The thistle feeder is getting plenty of use now. Lesser goldfinches must be living nearby, because several of them visit regularly now.
And of course, our lovely resident house finches enjoy the thistle, though they go for the big feeder whenever it’s available.
Which it mostly is, except when these bird brains show up — squirrels.
But the squirrels don’t eat a lot, so we mostly enjoy watching their agility and cleverness.
Sometimes birds will share the space with the squirrel… usually on the opposite side of the feeder. The squirrel never seems to care.
And the cage has really been amazing — it’s a constant show of songbirds now, all sharing the feeder and taking turns. Chickadees, Cardinals, Finches, Titmice, and more. They all gather up.
Clever birdies.
So I guess if someone calls you a bird brain, you should consider it a compliment — because these birds are smart!
I love the pictures, especially the squirrels. I think I need to get a bird feeder…
Great pictures.
The squirrels empty our feeders in no time flat. And, the doves certainly do their part. I heard someone from Wild Birds Unlimited one time, refer to them as ‘flying hogs’. But, they’re pretty, if a bit clumsy.
Hi Meredith. I have to laugh at the images of the squirrel. Such a talented contortionist LOL! They do find a way. Your pictures are just gorgeous!
Have a wonderful weekend!
What a fun picture story. Good thing birds ARE smart. Around my yard they have to survive without any help from ME.
It’s because of squirrels, I have no bird feeders. Unfortunately, Florida squirrels behave more like pigs and devour every last seed. But they’re a part of nature so we love them, too.
This is my first visit to your blog. Your photo’s are fantastic! Beautiful, clear shots. Very professional looking. And the squirrels are soooo cute.
I guess we have a consensus that squirrels are pretty cute little piggies. Welcome, new visitors!
Hi Meredith, The birds are beautiful. The squirrel is really, really cute. It’s great that you are surrounded by such wonderful creatures. Great photos! Thanks for faving my blog…
Love all your finches and funny squirrel shots. The doves and squirrels are being greedy at my feeder, too. I may have to try your cage method to slow them down a bit.
Meredith, what a great post! I love the photos of the squirrels and I agree completely, the doves are super smart. I’ve been observing the same situation in my yard…they are persistent and win!
Lovely post, Meredith. I have a bit of a crush on both the mourning doves and the titmice, and just this spring my husband made his first acquaintance with the brilliant male goldfinches (he’s from Europe and never saw anything like it — photos don’t do that color justice, or at least my photos don’t), and fell in love. We put seed on the ground sometimes, but mostly I’ve just placed the feeders above the garden paths, where the extras fall in big enough numbers to placate the ground-feeders, like cardinals and doves. Still, we do have to refill every other day… it’s a responsibility I’m actually feeling fortunate to have. 🙂