How To Keep Doves Away From Feeder

How to Keep Doves Away From Your Bird Feeder

Doves, while pretty birds, can quickly become a nuisance at your bird feeder. Their aggressive feeding habits can outcompete smaller, more desirable birds, leading to a less diverse and enjoyable birdwatching experience. This guide provides effective strategies to deter doves without harming them. We'll cover both physical deterrents and behavioral modifications, ensuring you attract the birds you want while keeping the unwanted guests at bay.

Understanding Dove Behavior: The First Step to Deterrence

Before implementing any dove deterrent, it's crucial to understand why doves are attracted to your feeder in the first place. Doves are attracted to readily available food sources, particularly seeds. They are also attracted to open areas with minimal cover, providing them with a sense of safety.

Identifying the Attraction Points:

• Food Type: Doves are particularly fond of large seeds like sunflower seeds. Changing your seed type can significantly reduce their interest.
• Feeder Type: Open feeders are easily accessible to doves. Platform feeders are particularly vulnerable.
• Location: Open, unobstructed areas near your feeder make it easy for doves to approach and feed without fear of predation.

Effective Methods to Deter Doves:

Now that we understand what attracts doves, let's explore proven methods to deter them:

1. Change Your Birdseed:

• Smaller Seeds: Opt for smaller seeds like nyjer (thistle) seeds, which are more difficult for doves to handle effectively. Their beaks aren't well-suited for these smaller seeds.
• Seed Blends: Use seed blends specifically designed for smaller birds. These often contain a lower percentage of large seeds favored by doves.
• Avoid Sunflower Seeds (or Reduce Quantity): Limit or completely avoid using large sunflower seeds, a dove favorite.

2. Adjust Your Feeder Design and Placement:

• Weight-Activated Feeders: These feeders are designed to close when a heavier bird, like a dove, lands on them. This prevents doves from accessing the seed while allowing smaller birds to feed.
• Tube Feeders with Small Perches: Doves prefer larger, more stable perches. Tube feeders with small perches or no perches will make it more difficult for them to feed comfortably.
• Suet Feeders: While doves can eat suet, they generally prefer seeds. Suet feeders offer a welcome alternative for other birds, and doves are less likely to visit them.
• Strategic Placement: Place your feeders closer to bushes and trees, providing cover for smaller birds and making the feeding area less appealing to doves.

3. Visual and Auditory Deterrents:

• Shiny Objects: Hang reflective objects like old CDs, Mylar tape, or aluminum foil strips around your feeder. The movement and glint will startle doves and discourage them from approaching.
• Predatory Decoys: While not always effective, placing owl or hawk decoys near your feeder might deter doves. Rotate their positions periodically for better results.
• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers can be set to activate when movement is detected, startling doves and sending them away.

4. Regular Cleaning:

• Clean Feeders: Regularly clean your feeders to remove spilled seed and droppings. This minimizes attractants and creates a less inviting environment for doves.

Maintaining a Dove-Free Feeder:

Keeping doves away requires consistent effort. Regularly monitor your feeder's effectiveness and adjust your strategies as needed. Be patient and persistent, and you'll enjoy a more diverse and enjoyable birdwatching experience. Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate doves completely, but to manage their presence and ensure a healthy balance in your backyard bird community.