Photo by Melody

Bird Watching: Eurasian Doves, 4 by wingwoman

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Subject: Eurasian Doves

Forum: Bird Watching

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Photo of Eurasian Doves
wingwoman wrote:
In the last few weeks, as we've added more bird feeders to our back yard, Eurasian Doves have moved in to the feeders, crowding out our native birds - even our domestic turtledoves. Our backyard residents crowd together on the utility lines above the feeders, waiting until there's room for them. I was told to withdraw corn from the food, possibly letting the feeders go empty for a few days, sending the Eurasian Doves elsewhere. No way am I going to risk the loss of our lovely finches and their charming families. What if they go elsewhere? We use a super-soaker type of water gun to chase off the squirrels and it works quite well. I wonder if something like that would discourage the Eurasians. Our lovely domestic turtledoves eat from the feed that falls on the ground under the feeders, but sometimes the Eurasians roost in the tree above the feeder and move in to chase off the domestics. I want these thieves gone, but worry that spraying them with water would scare off our birdie residents. Any help?