> On Fri, 27 Sep 1996, Josh Hayes wrote:
>
> > I'm seeking advice. We have a couple of feeders in our backyard; one
> > is a platform-type feeder and the other is one of those little round
> > ball feeders which are supposed to be squirrel-resistant.
> >
> > The problem is, although we have lots of chickadees in the yard, the
> > feeders are monopolized by house finches (and a few - ugh - house
> > sparrows, too). Even the round one, from which they are unable to feed
> > effectively - a finch will simply stand on top of it and chase away
> > any other bird that CAN feed from it.
> >
> > Anyone have any ideas of how to discourage the finches without
> > discouraging the chickadees and nuthatches?
>
Pat Scott added:>
> We have a lot of sparrows and finches at our feeder, too, but in our
> locale the House finches are actually the desired result. :)

I prefer the House Finches over the House Sparrows as well. Lately, a
few more House Sparrows had been coming into the yard, and generally the
finches will run them out over the course of a week to 10 days. The
finches are aggressive, but they also attratc other birds like Purple
Finches and True Sparrows into the yard via their activity.
My father has had the same sort of disappearing House Sparrow
phenomenon back in Omaha since HOsue FInches colonized the area some five
years ago. House Sparrows have gotten nearly scarce, especially during
the winter, due to the presence of the finches.
On diet, I avoid millet until I start seeing juncos and true
sparrows (first definite golden-crownedtoday!! a gorgeous adult) ; this
tends to keep the house sparrows at bay. Just sunflowers and niger
during the summer. Or not feeding durign teh summer, as many do, also
keeps house sparrows away. Ray K
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Korpi "English sparrows and starlings eat the farmer's
Hm: Portland, OR grain and soil his corpse."
Wk: Clark College --An actual quote from an actual student
Vancouver, WA science exam, from a list passed along
rkorpi at clark.edu to me by a colleague.