Bird feeders

[TimDar1976$]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris

[Bogie Shooter]

No.

[Marathon Man]

You should your deed restrictions. You may or may not get accurate answers here.

[metoo21]

Heard that bird feeders bring more rats than song birds here. Rats live in top of palms.

[retiredguy123]

Rule or no rule, please respect your neighbors, and don't install one. And please, don't even think about hanging a wind chime. Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.

[Bogie Shooter]

Rule or no rule, please respect your neighbors, and don't install one. And please, don't even think about hanging a wind chime. Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.

One could check with neighbors who may enjoy having birds around.

[Mrmean58]

True. You don't want to upset the neighbors who have their TV on at 120 decibels while sitting on their lanai.

[Ritagoyer]

One other thing to add to the rats is snakes, remember your food chain

[Michael G.]

Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.

As heard from a Harley rider with loud pipes.


True. You don't want to upset the neighbors who have their TV on at 120 decibels while sitting on their lanai.

Same as above

[Pondboy]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris

I had feeders up for about 6 months when we first moved here. Saw very little activity from the song birds. Then realized that it was too open for them. They were uncomfortable feeding in the open (not many trees in our back yard). We also have a lot of hawks and owls in our neck of the woods. Decided to take down the feeders as it would make them more vulnerable to their predators. Besides, Avian flu is still around and attracting birds en mass is not a good idea at this point in time.

[Windguy]

Birds don’t need our help here in Florida because we have no snow to cover vegetation. Insects are available year round for them to eat. But, if you do decide to put up a feeder, please do it responsibly to reduce the spread of disease.

To Feed, or Not to Feed | Audubon (https://www.audubon.org/news/to-feed-or-not-feed)

[bark4me]

Rule or no rule, please respect your neighbors, and don't install one. And please, don't even think about hanging a wind chime. Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.
I have 6 wind chimes. Does that mean I shouldn't put them up?

[bark4me]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris
Yes, you can put them up. Just remember that they also attract rats and tree rats, opossum and racoons so I would not put it close to your home.
Enjoy the birds

[jojo]

We have lots of songbirds (cardinals, blue birds, scarlet tanagers, mockingbirds etc.) at our home in Amelia. They particularly like our bottlebrush trees. Shrubbery helps. I so enjoy the cheerful chirping. They are particularly active now.

[retiredguy123]

I have 6 wind chimes. Does that mean I shouldn't put them up?
Some people like the tingling sound. Some people hate it. I'm in the second group.

[kendi]

Better to add plants that attract birds

[Lindaws]

No feeders. Attracts rats .

[Veiragirl]

I have 5 feeders

[jaygardens]

ARE there any rules

the decline in grammar is yet another sign of the apocalpyse

[MrFlorida]

One of my friends put up a bird feeder, now he has roof rats in his attic.

[Tvflguy]

To each their own. In our case we have had a nice bird feeder in our front area for nine years. Attracts so many gorgeous active birds. No rats etc etc.

We have a large birdhouse in our backyard. Small holes, so for small birds. So many little guys have had families, then they fly to the feeder.

One of our joys of life, watching them.

So for us, it’s ++++++.

[Regorp]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris

Much prefer beautiful sounds of birds to the annoying loud sound of the motorcycle at 7am.

[Northwoods]

Rule or no rule, please respect your neighbors, and don't install one. And please, don't even think about hanging a wind chime. Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.

TOTALLY agree. I have a neighbor that has 2 bird feeders and what it attracts is squirrels!! They feed at the bird feeders and then come over and go on my roof. They also climb on my lanai screen. I've tried repellent sprays to deter the squirrels from going on my roof (I have a tree they climb up) but it hasn't worked.

So no... please don't install bird feeders in your backyard.

[chrissy2231]

use safflower seeds as squirrels do not eat those seeds. I attached a bird feeder to my lanai. They all flock at the same times. Then it's a game of control. The male cardinal doesn't allow his wife to eat while he is perched & chases her & all others away. When she is pregnant, then they eat together. He also kisses her. It's my alternative to having a pet.

[chrissy2231]

TOTALLY agree. I have a neighbor that has 2 bird feeders and what it attracts is squirrels!! They feed at the bird feeders and then come over and go on my roof. They also climb on my lanai screen. I've tried repellent sprays to deter the squirrels from going on my roof (I have a tree they climb up) but it hasn't worked.

So no... please don't install bird feeders in your backyard.
[COLOR="Navy"]use safflower seeds as squirrels do not eat those seeds. I/COLOR]

[chrissy2231]

No feeders. Attracts rats .
not at my house for the last 2 years

[chrissy2231]

rule or no rule, please respect your neighbors, and don't install one. And please, don't even think about hanging a wind chime. Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.
yikes

[sallyg]

The songbirds will take a while to come back after recent construction. Any food you put out will attract critters, other than birds, that you and your neighbors will not like. Rats are common. No food source, no rats.

[sallyg]

Better to add plants that attract birds
Good idea. ☺️

[VillagesFlorida]

When I lived up north I had bird feeders out year round. Birdwatching has been a very enjoyable hobby. But, after realizing that I would not only attract birds here, I would invite unsavory varmints to my yard, I decided to offer them water to drink and bathe in. A simple plant pot, turned upside down and placed near shrubs, trees, some sort of cover has brought a wide variety of feathered friends to my yard. Buy a clay pot and a plastic tray (saucer). It will be much easier to clean, especially in the summer. I use latex gloves since I know birds can carry diseases. I usually have two bird baths going at any time and often they are both in use.

[Nana2Teddy]

When I lived up north I had bird feeders out year round. Birdwatching has been a very enjoyable hobby. But, after realizing that I would not only attract birds here, I would invite unsavory varmints to my yard, I decided to offer them water to drink and bathe in. A simple plant pot, turned upside down and placed near shrubs, trees, some sort of cover has brought a wide variety of feathered friends to my yard. Buy a clay pot and a plastic tray (saucer). It will be much easier to clean, especially in the summer. I use latex gloves since I know birds can carry diseases. I usually have two bird baths going at any time and often they are both in use.
Just change the water daily because of mosquitoes. :)

[New Englander]

Some people like the tingling sound. Some people hate it. I'm in the second group.

Me too.

[asiebel]

You can cause yourself a big problem drawing more than birds to your hard. Look into plants or bushes that will bring the birds.

[Northwoods]

use safflower seeds as squirrels do not eat those seeds. I attached a bird feeder to my lanai. They all flock at the same times. Then it's a game of control. The male cardinal doesn't allow his wife to eat while he is perched & chases her & all others away. When she is pregnant, then they eat together. He also kisses her. It's my alternative to having a pet.

It's not my birdfeeder! It belongs to my neighbor.
I guess my comment is - when you put in a birdfeeder realize you may be creating a frustrating situation for your neighbors. I'm tired of squirrels on my roof and on my lanai screen.

[chrissy2231]

It's not my birdfeeder! It belongs to my neighbor.
I guess my comment is - when you put in a birdfeeder realize you may be creating a frustrating situation for your neighbors. I'm tired of squirrels on my roof and on my lanai screen.
tell them to use safflower seeds

[midiwiz]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris

songbirds? never seen songbirds are here. although I'd ask your neighbors, they might not want all the pests that come with it which will include snakes

[Rodneysblue]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the backyard?
Tim Farris
Just know that they also attract four-legged creatures with skinny tails.

[dougawhite]

When you provide food for wildlife you change their natural behavior and that is a BAD thing. This leads to dependance on humans and losing the ability to fend for themselves. Ultimately, this behavior change in multiple generations will lead to species failure. So, don't feed wildlife! Please.

[Michael G.]

Just change the water daily because of mosquitoes. :)

I know you mean this as a little joke, but one needs to ask.

If we can eliminate mosquitoes by changing a small puddle of water in bird baths,
how can we keep mosquitoes from all the mashes, ponds, and other standing water
in junk yards in old tires etc?? :shocked:

[coffeebean]

Rule or no rule, please respect your neighbors, and don't install one. And please, don't even think about hanging a wind chime. Silence is golden, and noise travels beyond your property.

Agree about the wind chimes.

[coffeebean]

One could check with neighbors who may enjoy having birds around.
Hope they like the rats and squirrels too. My sister installed a bird feeder and had squirrels doing back flips on the feeder and they were constantly running up on her lanai screen. She took down the bird feeder.

[coffeebean]

I have 6 wind chimes. Does that mean I shouldn't put them up?

Hope you don't live in Mallory if you decide to put up wind chimes. YIKES!!!!!

[coffeebean]

It's not my birdfeeder! It belongs to my neighbor.
I guess my comment is - when you put in a birdfeeder realize you may be creating a frustrating situation for your neighbors. I'm tired of squirrels on my roof and on my lanai screen.

chrissy......Just to let you know, your dark blue font does not show up on the dark green quote box. Just a suggestion.........why don't you stick with the default font color? It shows up just fine everywhere on the new and the old forum formats.

[jimjamuser]

Heard that bird feeders bring more rats than song birds here. Rats live in top of palms.
Most bird feeders can NOT stop squirrels, which are just rats with furrier coats that look a little bit cuter. Specialized bird feeders can be purchased that can reject to a certain extent the squirrels. They use the additional weight of the squirrel to close up the feeder to them. They are more expensive. Or you can get a high-velocity pellet gun and stick it out of your window when your neighbors are NOT watching and play squirrel demolition.
derby.
.........A high-voltage plate attached to a switch to be thrown when the squirrels are there and NOT the birds might also work. Don't think about putting the bird cage up high and greasing the pole - it doesn't work - I have 1st hand knowledge. But, be forewarned that once you join the fight against the squirrels, there is NO turning back. It can take your mind.
........And if you successfully decrease their population, they respond with MORE squirrel births, those "waskelly squirrels."

[jimjamuser]

Much prefer beautiful sounds of birds to the annoying loud sound of the motorcycle at 7am.
We need a Harley that goes "tweet, tweet".

[jimjamuser]

use safflower seeds as squirrels do not eat those seeds. I attached a bird feeder to my lanai. They all flock at the same times. Then it's a game of control. The male cardinal doesn't allow his wife to eat while he is perched & chases her & all others away. When she is pregnant, then they eat together. He also kisses her. It's my alternative to having a pet.
Tropical fish might be nice.

[coffeebean]

Most bird feeders can NOT stop squirrels, which are just rats with furrier coats that look a little bit cuter. Specialized bird feeders can be purchased that can reject to a certain extent the squirrels. They use the additional weight of the squirrel to close up the feeder to them. They are more expensive. Or you can get a high-velocity pellet gun and stick it out of your window when your neighbors are NOT watching and play squirrel demolition.
derby.
.........A high-voltage plate attached to a switch to be thrown when the squirrels are there and NOT the birds might also work. Don't think about putting the bird cage up high and greasing the pole - it doesn't work - I have 1st hand knowledge. But, be forewarned that once you join the fight against the squirrels, there is NO turning back. It can take your mind.
........And if you successfully decrease their population, they respond with MORE squirrel births, those "waskelly squirrels."

Google search............."While squirrels and rats (or mice) are both rodents they are completely different animal species. So, no, is squirrel is NOT just a cute rat. Rats and squirrels cannot interbreed. The two species also have striking differences in behavior, lifestyle and communication."

[asianthree]

Google search............."While squirrels and rats (or mice) are both rodents they are completely different animal species. So, no, is squirrel is NOT just a cute rat. Rats and squirrels cannot interbreed. The two species also have striking differences in behavior, lifestyle and communication."


I think OP was holding a “Sheldon Sign”

[MidWestIA]

I had them in Iowa but then a pest guy said yeah snakes love bird feeders

[dougjb]

Wind chimes are the bane of civilization. Silence is natural. Wind chimes are not!

Bird feeders rank #2 on the bane of civilization. Let the birds be natural and feed as they naturally do. You do not need to sully your neighbor's cement patio with bird droppings!

[Notsure]

Bird seed leads to squirrels and rats, which bring in snakes and all kinds of other critters. Please do not put one up….the critters will nest in your yard and your neighbors yards and in attics.

[Veiragirl]

Much prefer beautiful sounds of birds to the annoying loud sound of the motorcycle at 7am.

I AGREE!!! SINCE BIKE WEEK IS IN DAYTONA NOW, YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND AND I WERE EATING OUTSIDE AT GATORS. 8 LOUD OBNOXIOUS BIKES ( WITH THEIR RADIOS ON SUPER HIGH) DROVE THRU BROWNWOOD AND TWO OF THEM PARKED RIGHT ACROSS FROM WHERE WE WERE SITTING. iT TOOK THEM 10 MINUTES TO STOP THE BIKES AND TURN THE RADIO OFF. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO COME HERE. BIKERS STAY AWAY

[JP]

My neighbor used to have a bird feeder. I've seen hawks take out the birds, rats under the feeder, squirrels that end up climbing allover my lanai and roof etc. He finally took it down. YEAH!!!

[Michael G.]

I AGREE!!! SINCE BIKE WEEK IS IN DAYTONA NOW, YESTERDAY MY HUSBAND AND I WERE EATING OUTSIDE AT GATORS. 8 LOUD OBNOXIOUS BIKES ( WITH THEIR RADIOS ON SUPER HIGH) DROVE THRU BROWNWOOD AND TWO OF THEM PARKED RIGHT ACROSS FROM WHERE WE WERE SITTING. iT TOOK THEM 10 MINUTES TO STOP THE BIKES AND TURN THE RADIO OFF. WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO COME HERE. BIKERS STAY AWAY

This is also my pet peeve, "Noise Pollution" and has been for years, so don't get me started.

Law enforcement doesn't care like they did back in the 50's and 60's.
They have bigger fish to fry, what that is, I don't know.

Bottom line, tinkering with stock exhaust on cycles and cars use to be against the law but not anymore.

[Kenswing]

My neighbor used to have a bird feeder. I've seen hawks take out the birds, rats under the feeder, squirrels that end up climbing allover my lanai and roof etc. He finally took it down. YEAH!!!
Same happened at the house we moved from. We lived out in the country and my wife loved having bird feeders out. The red-tailed hawks thought it was their own personal buffet - lol.

[jimjamuser]

songbirds? never seen songbirds are here. although I'd ask your neighbors, they might not want all the pests that come with it which will include snakes
Yes, snakes like to eat bird eggs and so do crows. There are going to be SNAKES anywhere and everywhere in Florida. Big black snakes EAT poisonous snakes. I wonder if TV Land staff should release black snakes around here. If that would help keep the poisonous ones away?

[jimjamuser]

I know you mean this as a little joke, but one needs to ask.

If we can eliminate mosquitoes by changing a small puddle of water in bird baths,
how can we keep mosquitoes from all the mashes, ponds, and other standing water
in junk yards in old tires etc?? :shocked:
Fish EAT the mosquito eggs and mosquitos that end up on the water surface of lakes and ponds. And Community Service takes care of any old tires filling up with water. They MUST do that because they have NO other jobs that I know of.

[Carlsondm]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris
A bird feeder may attract rats. Be aware. Many of us attract song birds by including a water feature like a fountain with trees and flowers. Create a quiet area and you may see a nest. There are a lot of birds of prey here so enjoy while you can.

[jimjamuser]

Google search............."While squirrels and rats (or mice) are both rodents they are completely different animal species. So, no, is squirrel is NOT just a cute rat. Rats and squirrels cannot interbreed. The two species also have striking differences in behavior, lifestyle and communication."

I was exaggerating "FOR EFFECT". That IS a creative writing technique. TRUE while they ARE separate species, they have SIMILAR characteristics with regard to finding innovative ways to STEAL bird food from bird feeders. Squirrels are daylight creatures (rodents) and rats are nocturnal creatures (rodents). I would imagine if you looked back in a Geological Time Frame that you would find that they BOTH had a common ancestor. They BOTH carry rabies, fleas, ticks, and carry other diseases. They both chew into people's homes and eat and use home insulation. They both will eat the insulation from the wires in modern automobiles and cause millions of dollars worth of damage that way worldwide. Automobile wire insulation contains soybeans (look it up)that is edible to BOTH species. They BOTH may even spread Lyme Disease, which IS on the increase in the US.
.......These RODENTS are unhealthy with respect to humans. They should be trapped to eliminate their problems in suburbs and cities. In the old days (1965 and before), young kids with BBguns, pellet guns, bows, and slingshots would keep the suburbs free of all rodents - rats, squirrels, and even rabbits. THOSE were the DAYS, my friend, we'd hunt and NEVER lose. OH yes, those were the days!!!!!!
..........Rabbits particularly were absolutely HATED by the neighbors many of which had salad gardens to make their food budgets go further.

[chrissy2231]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris
rats & squirrels do not eat safflower seeds

[jimjamuser]

We have lots of songbirds (cardinals, blue birds, scarlet tanagers, mockingbirds etc.) at our home in Amelia. They particularly like our bottlebrush trees. Shrubbery helps. I so enjoy the cheerful chirping. They are particularly active now.
Most birds sing a pleasant song. But, Mockingbirds and crows are pretty unpleasant.

[jimjamuser]

TOTALLY agree. I have a neighbor that has 2 bird feeders and what it attracts is squirrels!! They feed at the bird feeders and then come over and go on my roof. They also climb on my lanai screen. I've tried repellent sprays to deter the squirrels from going on my roof (I have a tree they climb up) but it hasn't worked.

So no... please don't install bird feeders in your backyard.
Spray them with wasp and hornet spray and if that does not work - try bear mace.

[jimjamuser]

It's not my birdfeeder! It belongs to my neighbor.
I guess my comment is - when you put in a birdfeeder realize you may be creating a frustrating situation for your neighbors. I'm tired of squirrels on my roof and on my lanai screen.
Yes, see, they are pests........buy some bear mace!

[jimjamuser]

songbirds? never seen songbirds are here. although I'd ask your neighbors, they might not want all the pests that come with it which will include snakes
Snakes are everywhere in Fl. Just hope they are the good snakes - the black snakes.

[jimjamuser]

Hope they like the rats and squirrels too. My sister installed a bird feeder and had squirrels doing back flips on the feeder and they were constantly running up on her lanai screen. She took down the bird feeder.
There is an unbelievable true story ( see on U-tube) about a guy that wanted to find out JUST how resourceful and SMART a squirrel could be and he set up a squirrel obstacle course that forced them to walk on tight ropes and revolving Ferris wheels and many other obstacles to get to the food. It's REALLY entertaining they fall down and have to go back to the start of his course, but they NEVER stop - they get highly motivated!

[JMintzer]

Spray them with wasp and hornet spray and if that does not work - try bear mace.

Yes, see, they are pests........buy some bear mace!

Does that work on all pests?

Asking for a friend...

[jimjamuser]

Wind chimes are the bane of civilization. Silence is natural. Wind chimes are not!

Bird feeders rank #2 on the bane of civilization. Let the birds be natural and feed as they naturally do. You do not need to sully your neighbor's cement patio with bird droppings!
"The bane of civilization" - That would be a good thread starter. I would add - children driving Golf Carts and adults playing with fireworks on July 4th and New Year's day.

[Dusty_Star]

Does that work on all pests?

Asking for a friend...

:a20:

[annecobb]

Just moved into DeLuna. There are very few songbirds around.
Is there any rules against having a small bird feeder in the back yard ?
Tim Farris

i am sure there is no law against it but I got rid of my bird feeder and bird bath after watching on numerous occasions, hawks swooping down like aerial assassins to consume them. I watched in horror the disemboweling of a little bird and thought - not worth it. I see other hawks and predator birds sitting on rooftops watching the bird feeders doing the same and getting great results. This was also a problem in Maryland and our community voted against having them because it drew the Cooper Hawks, etc. Yes, this is their land, etc but I dont think we should make is so easy for these birds to hunt the feeders. And to lure the little birds to feeders only to become bait did not seem like a fair fight. But I did love watching the birds feed and knock seed down for the ground feeders. But everyone has to make their own decision.

[jimjamuser]

i am sure there is no law against it but I got rid of my bird feeder and bird bath after watching on numerous occasions, hawks swooping down like aerial assassins to consume them. I watched in horror the disemboweling of a little bird and thought - not worth it. I see other hawks and predator birds sitting on rooftops watching the bird feeders doing the same and getting great results. This was also a problem in Maryland and our community voted against having them because it drew the Cooper Hawks, etc. Yes, this is their land, etc but I dont think we should make is so easy for these birds to hunt the feeders. And to lure the little birds to feeders only to become bait did not seem like a fair fight. But I did love watching the birds feed and knock seed down for the ground feeders. But everyone has to make their own decision.
Great post. Good posts. There are numerous small gray predator birds around. I call them goshawks, but I think there is a more correct name. Better that they eat mice and rats and hopefully squirrels than having them eat SONGBIRDS. I think that the best situation for increasing the population of small birds is to provide COVER for them in your yard - one good way is to plant a row of viburnums.

[Davonu]

Bird feeders are okay. I wouldn't want to miss out on stuff like this...
:)

[coffeebean]

There is an unbelievable true story ( see on U-tube) about a guy that wanted to find out JUST how resourceful and SMART a squirrel could be and he set up a squirrel obstacle course that forced them to walk on tight ropes and revolving Ferris wheels and many other obstacles to get to the food. It's REALLY entertaining they fall down and have to go back to the start of his course, but they NEVER stop - they get highly motivated!

I've seen this video before. Thank you for reminding me of it. It is a riot.

EDIT: I don't know why this video will not automatically start from the beginning. Go to the beginning manually to view it........

https://youtu.be/hFZFjoX2cGg

[jimjamuser]

I've seen this video before. Thank you for reminding me of it. It is a riot.

EDIT: I don't know why this video will not automatically start from the beginning. Go to the beginning manually to view it........

https://youtu.be/hFZFjoX2cGg
You are VERY welcome. I thought that some other people might like to see just how resourceful squirrels can be. They are very smart little mammals. I imagine that IF they were as BIG as a Tiger that the population of humans would be taking a nosedive!

[coffeebean]

You are VERY welcome. I thought that some other people might like to see just how resourceful squirrels can be. They are very smart little mammals. I imagine that IF they were as BIG as a Tiger that the population of humans would be taking a nosedive!

Anyone watch the video? I know it is long; just over 20 minutes. But, it is so worth it. Here is the link......

https://youtu.be/hFZFjoX2cGg