At 12:52 PM 2/2/99 -0800, Stanley McManus wrote:
>
>Somebody mentioned suet feeders that keep out those pesky starlings.
>Can somebody describe one to me? Where are they purchased? Do they
>also keep out the Flickers? Don't mind the flickers eating my suet,
>just those blasted starlings!

You can find Starling proof feeders at most bird stores. My husband
converted our suet feeders. I do not know if I can describe it well enough
to be understood but will try. Instead of the suet feeder hanging with the
narrow ends facing the ground and the sky the two larger sides face the sky
and ground. He placed a piece of plywood on the top and made it wider than
the suet feeder and then hung heavy cord from the four corners which meet
to form a single loop to hang. The ones in the store have a pointed top
like a roof. Ours keep the starlings away most of the time. Occasionally
they try but do not stay long. I do not know if the store bought ones
would work better but I think I can see the birds better from ours.
Flickers along with Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers are able to feed
from them. Chickadees and nuthatches also feed from them.

Judy Smith
j_m.smith at christcom.net