A Challenge with Nature's Grackles and Blackbirds

Do you have problems with these birds? I have two bird feeders, a larger shelf type, and a smaller hanging one. Since we are on a flight path, being near the St. Lawrence River, we see migrating birds, especially the Canada geese, and the Snow geese, spring and fall. The flights are high, heard before seen, but when they settle here, we often see them flying low to the fields to feed, then to the river at dusk for the night. We see various smaller, interesting types in the garden. Unfortunately, when the grackle and blackbird families find our feeders, the food is gone within a week. Usually, I feed only after they have gone south in the fall--but they are back.

We often walked, or cross-country skied for several miles near our house. In the upper woods in spring and fall, the blackbirds mass in the trees by the hundreds--getting together with their friends, no doubt, for the long trek--or just arriving. We have several acquaintances who live and garden near the River. In the spring, when the breeding is on, my friends are dive-bombed, and cannot work in their gardens. One said he was glad of a cap, or he would have been pecked badly. Shades of Alfred Hitchkock. When these birds come to my garden, they chase the other birds away. Talk about gimlet eyes. The creatures make me uncomfortable.

Watching birds in nature brings many great pleasure. Yet, how can we enjoy the less aggressive birds with beautiful plumage and oh, so charming manners?

Any ideas?