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Old 08-02-2010, 01:39 PM
 
157 posts, read 420,096 times
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Since moving here in March I've been feeding the hummers. About a month ago finches and sparrows started drinking the sugar water.

I'm from TX and have never seen birds other than hummers drink from the feeder. I wouldn't mind it, since the hummers feed at the same time as the finches, but the finches are so heavy that they tilt the feeder and spill the nectar on the patio which has now attracted hordes of ants.

Are the finches/sparrows coming because it is an easy source of water even though it is sweet? I've tried providing them with fresh water in both a feeder and a bird bath but they just won't leave the hummer food alone. Any ideas on either discouraging them or finding a heavier feeder that they can't tip?
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Old 08-02-2010, 02:08 PM
 
460 posts, read 987,792 times
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I've never had any problems with finches or sparrows, but as far as feeders go, I recommend HummZinger feeders. They work great, are very durable, and are super easy to clean.
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Old 08-02-2010, 11:14 PM
 
Location: Gettysburg, PA
3,052 posts, read 2,923,155 times
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The finches around me like the hummingbird feeder too; I never noticed them spilling much of it, nor have I noticed a plethora of ants in the vicinity of the feeder. I would look into getting a different feeder (the one I had that didn't spill much was the cheap red plastic kind with the flowers-shaped spouts), unless someone else has a suggestion of how to keep the unwanted birds away. It was just never a problem for me, so I never bothered to try to keep them away.

[side note--since the feeder I have has those flower-shaped spout things that the hummingbird is suppose to drink out of with their long beaks (like a straw)---how on earth are the finches with those large clunky short beaks getting any of the nectar??? I don't know--and I'm still not sure if they're actually getting to any of the nectar--but they sure as heck love hanging around that darned hummingbird feeder!!]
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Old 08-03-2010, 11:13 AM
 
Location: Kingman AZ
15,370 posts, read 39,098,836 times
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all that sugar will make the finches lil teeth rot out.
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Old 08-03-2010, 01:21 PM
 
Location: Portland, OR / Las Vegas, NV
1,818 posts, read 3,835,450 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dynimagelv View Post
all that sugar will make the finches lil teeth rot out.
More work for Molar.
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Old 08-03-2010, 04:45 PM
 
34 posts, read 98,310 times
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On another issue re: feeders, does anyone have a solution to the problem of ants invading the nectar bowl? I end up having a pool of ants inside the feeder, and they're very persistent about finding a way to get there. I've tried ant spray on everywhere but the feeder itself, but they still plow on through to get there.

I've given up.
Pauline
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Old 08-03-2010, 04:55 PM
 
Location: Beautiful Upstate NY!
13,814 posts, read 28,486,602 times
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Throw a few uncles in there...the aunts will stay far away.
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Old 08-04-2010, 05:12 PM
r_k
 
Location: Planet Earth
836 posts, read 2,189,342 times
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Get one of those feeders that don't have a perch, so the hummingbirds have to "hover" in order to feed. That should keep other birds away.
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Old 08-04-2010, 05:18 PM
 
Location: San Diego
50,242 posts, read 46,997,454 times
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You can mix some ant spray with vaseline to coat the wire leading to the feeder. The Finches LOVE fruit so they love that nectar too. If you want to keep them off the feeder put out some fruit but it can get bothersome and expensive. The easier thing is to take the perches off. The hummers can still feed as they can hover but the Finches can't.
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Old 08-06-2010, 09:34 AM
 
157 posts, read 420,096 times
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Great suggestion! I didn't know they made feeders without perches.
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