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Listen for a metallic, creaky ke-see song, which lasts a bit less than a second. After breeding, Yellow-headed Blackbirds migrate to fields and farmland in Southwest states and Mexico for the winter in large flocks. Common Grackles are blackbirds that are taller and longer tailed than a typical blackbird and with glossy iridescent bodies. Crows are smart but I haven't seen research say the same about grackles. Fun fact: Western Meadowlarks have been chosen as the state bird for 6 US states. Also, plant native berry plants such as mulberries or chokeberries. Common Grackles are resident all year in southeastern states, but those that breed in Canada and the Midwest migrate south. It's been a little over a week and I haven't seen any blackbirds around. Females and immature are duller with gray backs and yellow heads, tails, and chests. Attract Common Grackles to your backyard with mixed grain and seed sprinkled on the ground or on platform feeders. Females are yellowish underneath and on the head and grayish-brown on the wings, their backs or brownish-yellow. Their upperparts are dark brown, while below, they feature paler brown plumage. Naturally, they live in open forests, marshes, and chaparral. Another option is contacting USDA Wildlife Services, particularly those requesting a site visit or a permit to possibly take more than three birds. They lay 2 4 eggs, and the eggs take up to 13 days to hatch and then a further two weeks before the chicks can fledge. When using a shotgun, the target bird may be stationary or mobile, but must be no more than 30 metres from the shooter. Females build nests in reeds directly over the water, and males aggressively defend their territories from other males and predators. Those that breed in Canada and some of the north of the lower 48 migrate south for the winter. - Canada Goose daily limit is 2 with a possession limit of 6, three times your daily bag limit. Is there something I could do to discourage the flocks of blackbirds from visiting my yard. Depending on the percentage mix, they may tire of having to do this. European Starlings are considered introduced species in Arkansas and can be seen in the state all year. Females look similar, except they are slightly less glossy than males. American Wigeon. of Health, Wildlife and Wildlife Pests Publications | University of Missouri Extension, Kansas State University - Wildlife Management Library, The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. First, you need to know that hawks are protected in the United States under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 USC, 703-711). Eastern Meadowlark sounds: They make flute-like whistles that are clear and melodious. Bird netting with 50mm mesh is the most successful method. Unfortunately, these aggressive birds can ruin a party quickly when they visit in massive flocks, chasing away all of the other birds while eating your expensive bird food. They will also come to backyard feeders, and female cowbirds eat eggs and shells for calcium. These two sugary foods provide lots of energy, while insects give them the nutrition they need. Other states have a minimum of a .35 caliber, while others have a minimum of .40 caliber and at least 400-foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. Here are a few books and resources you can purchase that will assist! However, those in the west and midwest remain all year. I will also mention that the term "night . 3. They'll not only chase away all of the other birds, but they'll seriously eat all the birdseed in a day. During migration, they can be spotted in eastern US states. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are striking birds with a glossy black bodies, bright yellow heads and chests, and white patches on the wings in males. I don't know how drastic you're willing to be, but the most effective thing we found was investing in an air rifle. If you have to shoot pest birds that are ruining your property, it is generally recommended to use other means of pest control, such as putting up a . Also, try oriole feeders filled with sugar water. Females are a plain brown color. They also remain all year in southern Mexico and Baja California. But after they leave the nest, they never spend time again with whatever type of bird their host mother was! How many Canadian geese can you shoot in Arkansas? Baltimore Orioles can be found high up in open woodland, riverbanks, and forest edges foraging for insects and fruit, and they often come to parks and backyards. Also, talk to your local animal control for some recommendations on how to deal with the pest problem. Here are some styles of feeder that work: My favorite; the big birds can't even get in, And another I've used, and can work well: The first one is really handy, and looks cool too. Common Grackle sounds: They make a series of croaks, squeaks, and whistles. Females are beautiful in their own way, featuring duller colors than the males while lacking a black hood and back. This wasn't a large butchering operation. They also make short calls. In England, air gun laws used to list birds you CAN'T shoot. Both permit types are valid for antlerless deer only taken on . To identify them by sound, listen for a song that is compared to a rusty gate (, The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 10 LIVE Bird Feeder Cams From Around the World, The 16 Best Bird Feeders In MY Backyard! You are probably more likely to see these blackbirds in your backyard searching for insects in shrubby vegetation or eating mulberries from a tree. Baltimore Orioles are found in Arkansas during the breeding season and appear in 8% of summer checklists. + Caption. Bobolink Sounds: Boblinks songs are a speedy mix of different pitches and tones that do not seem to follow a pattern. Common Grackles are considered near-threatened species, but they can be spotted in Arkansas all year. Watch my feeding station get taken over by Common Grackles! Males look very different with very bold coloring. If you have a permit it is legal. You have some rather generic bird feeders (aren't they all), and they support a lot of range in bird sizes. And, of course, if you live in a development, shooting a pellet gun is pretty much out of the question. Mourning, White-Winged and Eurasian Collared-Dove, Arkansas Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement (WRICE), Natural State Landowner Conservation Awards, Endangered Species and Other Threats to Wildlife, Gov. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? 5/2.36a. Hunting, use of any artificial light, thermal or night vision equipment from a public roadway is prohibited. Brewers Blackbirds can be found in all US states and southern Canada, except in the Northeast, and those in the west do not migrate. The birds are going to fly into your yard even if you don't have feeders up, and especially if you have ripening berries. A red-winged blackbird on a cattail. However, if you don't have a permit, be sure to make use of our non-lethal measures to keep hawks at bay. Next time I get one, it's going to overwinter indoors, and I'll use something foolproof out in the ice. Western Meadowlark sounds: They make a pleasant series of tweets, warbles, and whistles. Nests of Brewers Blackbirds are made from twigs and grass twisted together in shrubs or trees. They are about the size of a Robin but more slender and are members of the blackbird family. Nov. 11, 2015. These permits differ according to when they can be used, within or outside of a regular hunting season, respectively. But these shy birds are not often seen because they spend most of their time at the tops of trees. Females also sing, but its shorter and used to communicate with their mates. It's likely, though, that other ground feeders that you do want won't be able to feed either. Male Orchard Orioles are a darker orange than Baltimore Orioles. When starlings visit in small numbers, they are fun to watch and have beautiful plumage. Males are mostly brown but have a distinctive green band behind their eyes and a white crown. They are brown-streaked and with dark eyelines and stripes on their crowns. Brewers Blackbirds are vocal, and there are a few contact (tschup) and alarm (chuck) calls you may hear that they use to communicate with each other. Let's start with doves and pigeons: You can shoot woodpigeons and feral pigeons all over the UK. Orchard Oriole sounds: They make a jumbled series of whistles that lasts about 3 to 4 seconds. If you find an area of shallow water, rusty blackbirds may be nearby! The second (I think it's the same type of thing kevinsky uses) one worked well for a while, but then got gunked up (somehow) and I had to clean it out (the part with the closing mechanism) before it would work again. You should consult your state Department of Wildlife & Fisheries for . The rest is history as starlings easily conquered the continent, along the way out-competing many of our beautiful native birds. Most of the entries in the NAME column of the output from lsof +D /tmp do not begin with /tmp. Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz (32-77 g) Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm) Red-winged Blackbirds remain all year in the lower 48 and the Pacific Coast of British Columbia. This sound is used for many purposes, such as when flying, feeding, or defending their territory. Orchard Orioles females are greenish-yellow overall, paler underneath and darker on the back, with darker wings and white wingbars. If some or all of the numbers have worn off, making the band unreadable, please email the BBL at bandreports@usgs.gov or find out on how to send the band for chemical etching . Interestingly, males do not quack like females but instead make a raspy call. National Geographic Guide to the Birds of North America, 8 Most Common Hummingbird Species in the USA (ID Guide). The nest will be built by building a platform out of stalks and stems of nearby plants. For the sake of this article, I only included species in the Icteridae family (except for #2), which consists of all New World Blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, and even orioles! They are spotted in the state as they migrate to and from wintering grounds in the Southwest and throughout Mexico. Read more: . Those that breed in Canada and some of the north of the lower 48 migrate south for the winter. You can find Brown-headed Cowbirds in grasslands and fields but rarely in wooded areas. Or would it be best for me to just take away the bird feeders now? These nonpowder guns can be dangerous weapons if used improperly. Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? Yellow-headed Blackbirds breed in western and prairie wetlands and nest in the reeds. Fun fact: Yellow-headed Blackbirds hunt for insects by flipping over stones to flush them out. Cowbirds will not eat this. Nuisance Wildlife. Males will fiercely defend their territories in the breeding season, even attacking people that get too close to nests. Birds shot with a bb gun will often end up flapping about on the ground . Listen for a series of loud whistles that lasts 3-4 seconds, which is used to attract mates. Distinctive Identification Characteristics: Another one of the unique types of black birds. This may result in scaring away some other birds when played, but most will not. Euler: A baby on his lap, a cat on his back thats how he wrote his immortal works (origin? Interestingly, over 220 species have been identified as having hosted eggs, from small kinglets to large meadowlarks. But with a bit of practice, you can tell them apart. Grass and weed seeds make up most of their diet, but they also eat insects. Females are brown instead of black, and the yellow head is duller. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. She also tightened up the reasons you can shoot birds. Be sure you are really OK with taking the life of an animal likely more intelligent than your family pet, or your five year old that may well be missed by the others of its kind. When males are trying to attract a mate, you can hear them singing from cattails, small trees, shrubs, fences, shrubs, or bulrushes in the morning and evening. Even though they enjoy trees, they normally arent seen in deep, dark forests. Actually identify the type of blackbirds you are dealing with. Trapping in towns must be in compliance with municipal ordinances. AGFC guidebooks contain an interpretive summary of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions hunting and fishing regulations and covers only the regulations that most commonly affect hunters and anglers. @Mr.Mindor your post talks about crows which are quite smart and have a distinctive appearance. Feed the birds thistle/nyger, safflower seed, whole peanuts, or suet. Attract Bullocks Orioles to your backyard with sugar water, jelly and fruit. Wingtips (primary feathers) are black, black does not extend all the way along the wing edge to the body. They have a distinctive black band across the chest. Any person shooting robins without a permit can face legal actions against them. Is it possible to create a concave light? I Want to HireSomeone to Solve My Nuisance Wildlife Problems, How to ControlSpecific Nuisance Wildlife Problems. Females are brown and heavily streaked. Contact USDA APHIS Wildlife Services - Arkansas office (501-835-2318) to discuss your problem and/or schedule a site visit for a customized plan from a local biologist. They are often found on yuccas and begin singing before dawn. It can also help to plant some berries for the birds, like mulberries (they love them) to keep them from trying to get through the mesh. After the breeding season is over, huge flocks come together to travel and search for food in grasslands and farm fields. If safflower is mixed with other seeds, blackbirds will toss these white seeds away to get to the other. Very few. Depredation Permits may be obtained from Commission Wildlife Officers or Wildlife Biologists. Live traps: Nuisance animals, other than bear or alligator, may also be removed by landowners (or their designees) at any time without a Depredation Permit with the use of live traps. These species, which include various ducks and geese, coot, moorhen, golden plover, snipe and woodcock, can be killed or taken outside the . Blue-gray bills that are tipped in black. You can use body grip devices/traps for mice, rats and birds without a permit (as listed in #1). If they identify. Whooping Cranes stand nearly 5 feet tall. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Its the magical way they travel in flocks, called murmurations. There is slight streaking on the belly and a black eye. These massive gatherings often consist of multiple blackbird species. How to Attract Blackbirds to Your Backyard, How Frequently Blackbirds are Spotted in Summer and Winter in Arkansas. Luckily, these birds are relatively easy to attract to your bird feeders, as long as you use the foods they enjoy eating. 2. Red-winged blackbirds are very common and easy to identify with the all-black coloring except for the reddish-orange wing patches. I have a LIVE high-definition camera watching my feeders 24/7. Check out the video below to hear the beautiful whistles and warbles of this songbird. Since they are not one of the game birds, their name is included in the protected list. These blackbirds are fairly large, slender, and have long legs. Fun fact: Scotts Orioles will feed on toxic monarch butterflies by finding the ones with the least toxins and eating those. #9. Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water. You can often spot Red-winged Blackbirds sitting on telephone wires. Attract Scotts Orioles to your backyard with sugar water, jelly, and oranges. There isn't much you can do to prevent them flying into your yard. They eat mainly seeds and grain and insects or anything they can find. These blackbirds spend most of their time at the tops of deciduous trees, fluttering around, building beautiful woven nests, and looking for food. Females are about half the size of males. Attract Red-winged blackbirds to your backyard with mixed grain and seeds spread on the ground. Baltimore Orioles then migrate to Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter, leaving as early as July. Its common to see mixed flocks that also include cowbirds, starlings, grackles, and Red-winged Blackbirds. Spring in the East has arrived when the Eastern Meadowlark starts singing and putting on a display, but unfortunately, they are now classed as near-threatened. Baltimore Orioles are often heard before being seen since they live so high up in trees. They also have a darker color around the eye and a lighter streak above. I filled the taller bird feeder with nothing but nyjer seed, and the lantern feeder with a mix of seeds meant for finches which contains mostly milo seeds, millet, and wheat. The only thing you can do is change the container for the seed - blackbirds are essentially ground feeders, they won't, for instance, hang from a suspended nut dispenser or seed dispenser. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center, Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center, Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center, Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Action Plan | 2020-2025, Disability, Mobility-impaired, 65-Plus, Military Retiree, Lifetime Licenses. However, with gated communities or 'zero lot land,' things are different. Brown-headed Cowbirds remain all year in eastern states, southern states, and along the Pacific Coast but those that breed in northern and western states and Canada migrate south for winter. Are coyotes defined as furbearer, game animal, or other in Arkansas? Even 'good' birds will eat those. Brown-headed Cowbird 28.5%Red-winged Blackbird 28.0%European Starling 25.6%Common Grackle 22.2%Eastern Meadowlark 13.8%Orchard Oriole 10.8%Baltimore Oriole 8.5%Bobolink 1.4%Great-tailed Grackle 0.5%Yellow-headed Blackbird 0.1%Western Meadowlark <0.1%Brewers Blackbird <0.1%Scotts Oriole <0.1%Bullocks Oriole <0.1%Rusty Blackbird <0.1%, European Starling 23.4%Red-winged Blackbird 16.9%Common Grackle 13.5%Eastern Meadowlark 10.5%Brown-headed Cowbird 3.7%Rusty Blackbird 3.5%Brewers Blackbird 1.5%Western Meadowlark 0.5%Great-tailed Grackle 0.2%Baltimore Oriole 0.1%Bullocks Oriole <0.1%Yellow-headed Blackbird <0.1%Orchard Oriole <0.1%Bobolink <0.1%Scotts Oriole <0.1%, 21 Largest Birds In Arkansas (By Weight, Length, Wingspan), 4 Species Of Crows and Magpies In Arkansas And Their Calls, All The Birds Of Prey In Arkansas And Their Calls, 18 White Birds In Arkansas (ID, Photo, Call Guide), All The Falcons In Arkansas And Their Calls (ID, Photos, When To Spot), Signup for regular news all about birdwatching, bird identification and fun facts. But that's changed in Arkansas, where the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation has recently secured 100 depredation permits, reports the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette . In summer, Brown-headed Cowbirds are the most frequently spotted blackbirds in Arkansas and appear in 28% of checklists. (UPDATED). Collect fruit and berries as soon as they are ripe, placing them in a container with a cover. +1 for that. Their ability to adapt to human development and eat almost anything is uncanny to almost no other species. Fun fact: Their nests are woven from hair, grass, and wool into a gourd shape and take up to 15 days to complete. This article is for information only. Grackles are remarkably intelligent and, according to some recent studies, may be able to identify individual humans by face. Rusty Blackbirds males are dark glossy black in summer when in their breeding plumage and have a rusty appearance in winter with rusty brown feather edges. However, those in more northern and central states and provinces migrate to the southern US and Mexico for winter. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages five public shooting ranges on its wildlife management areas. Females are slightly less glossy than males. Todd Gifford isn't too interested in dove openers. In contrast, at the other end of the country, BC has no such law. I think you will find that the more you learn about the below birds, the more you can appreciate them and their natural behavior. You can kill house sparrows and European sparrows legally . Prune holly and other wild berries from shrubs or trees to . Females have a higher survival rate in the nest since they are smaller and require less food. - Specklebelly Goose daily limit is 2 with a . They forage on the ground, especially near grazing animals, waiting for them to kick up some food. . Here are what my bird feeders look like, in case that's important. Nicola Sturgeon lifted the residents-only, July and August only, restriction for greylags, so . That doesn't necessarily mean you can shoot them though, you have to live where you can shoot to shoot them. Nests of Common Grackles are made of twigs, leaves, and grasses are placed high up in conifer trees near water. 3) It got to the point where I could simply stick my head out a door or around the corner of the fence, and they'd all fly away. They appear in 28% of checklists in summer and 16% of checklists in winter submitted by bird watchers for the state. Females are smaller and are gray-brown all over with slight streaking. Scotts Oriole sounds: Their song is a sweet series of whistles and is less jumbled than some orioles songs. Attract Orioles With These 5 SIMPLE Strategies! Listen to their common songs and calls by pressing PLAY above! They are often in noisy groups. With their bright yellow bellies and melodious song, Western Meadowlarks can brighten up your day. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Females are a paler yellow with olive-brown backs. UPDATE - now you've posted pics of the feeders, it's less likely we're talking about the same bird (though not impossible) in which case, ignore this answer. Unfortunately, due to their athletic ability and willingness to eat most foods, they are one of the harder creatures to prevent at backyard feeding stations. Conclusion. Live-trapped wildlife must be released unharmed outside the municipalitys boundaries within 24 hours. You can often spot Red-winged Blackbirds sitting on telephone wires. While each bird can lay up to a dozen eggs, nests have been found with more than 40 eggs in them, making one duck work a lot harder than several others. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? Fun fact: Are they brave or foolish? NPR's Melissa Block talks to George Pat Badley, the state veterinarian of Arkansas, about the 2,000 red-winged blackbirds that fell dead from the sky in Beebe, Ark., on Friday night. Shooting grackles is illegal in some states. Shooting. Nests of Starlings are often in buildings or nest boxes and made out of grass, pine needles, and other soft material. Many blackbirds migrate, especially from more northern areas, so check out the end of the article to see how common each blackbird is in summer or winter to help you know when to look for them. The man responsible (Eugene Schieffelin) had a mission to introduce all of the birds mentioned in Shakespeares plays in North America. And at any time of year, you can hear males or females make a check call. Its interesting to think about since they arent raised by one of their own species. They will also eat garbage and so can be a nuisance. 1) We only actually killed about 3 grackles in maybe a 10-year span. But, did you know these birds are an invasive species and arent even supposed to be here? Puzzling Demise Of Arkansas' Red-Winged Blackbird. Females and non-breeding males in their winter plumage are quite different and rather plain in comparison. Loud birds that gather in big flocks high in trees. Breeding adults are darker black and have a green-purple tint. (Code 1980, 21-26) Cage-style live traps may be used. The thing that worked best for me was bird netting over a hoop frame. 68A-9.010, may be taken using live traps or snares, or, where allowed, firearms during daylight hours.All traps and snares must be inspected at least once every 24 hours. Fun fact: There is a Rusty Blackbird Working Group which is helping to monitor the massive decline in their numbers. Arrange the decoys in a realistic way. Is there something I could do to discourage the flocks of blackbirds from visiting my yard. First, mud lines the nest, followed by soft grass. . #1. The nyjer seed seems to be helping in that it doesn't get knocked off the feeder and onto the ground. Red-winged Blackbird. But about every other day I'll walk outside to be greeted by an entire flock of blackbirds. Firearms may be used at day or night if specifically approved by the Commission employee issuing the Depredation Permit. They appear in 25% of checklists in summer and 23% of checklists in winter submitted by bird watchers for the state. The term blackbird is a bit wide-ranging. Females are also long-legged and slender but are dark brown on the back and lighter brown underneath, with more slender tails. We found that, after killing one grackle, the entire flock would avoid our yard for quite some time. Can you shoot blackbirds in Arkansas? Females are rather dull in comparison with streaky brown coloring. In Arkansas, they have declined dramatically over the past 40 years, and no one knows why! These are generally open to the public year around.Public Shooting Ranges. First, the nest is lined with mud to hold it together, and then soft dry grass is used to line the cup. Bats that have bitten or otherwise potentially exposed a human . Descriptions of their whistles, squeals, and rattles include everything from sweet, tinkling notes to rusty gate hinges. Regardless, Great-tailed Grackles can sure make a lot of loud noises, especially when they gather in enormous flocks numbering in the tens of thousands! During the breeding season, look for Yellow-headed Blackbirds in wetlands, where they raise their young. Great-tailed Grackles can be found in the West and Midwest in agricultural and urban areas, generally where humans are. These are open to all birds with a wide shelf for them to stand on and eat. (See South Carolina Code Sections 50-11-340, 360, and 430 (E) (1) and (F) (1)- (2)) In summer, Orchard Orioles breed in the eastern half of the United States before migrating south to Mexico and Central America. It is illegal to kill hawks and owls. Discharge of a firearm may be prohibited in some cities and residential areas; check with local law enforcement. To attract them, try offering a combination of grains, such as millet and cracked corn, along with sunflower seeds. They lay 4 6 eggs, which take about two weeks to hatch. Here are some styles of feeder that work: My favorite; the big birds can't even get in, And another I've used, and can work well: . You cannot shoot in your backyard unless: the land is 1.25 acres. Look for Brewers Blackbirds in Arkansas in a variety of habitats, such as marshes, forests, meadows, and grasslands. First, a number of companies market bird seed that's specifically designed to attract songbirds, but to be unpalatable to grackles. I enjoy almost all of the birds that visit, cardinals, finches, even the occasional bluebird. You will go to jail and receive a $10,000 fine if you kill a hawk or owl. Great-tailed Grackles may be seen strutting across your lawn and can be attracted to seed dropping from feeders above. This happens for two reasons. You can often spot Red-winged Blackbirds sitting on telephone wires. The individual discovered the birds off of Beach Road approximately . I've battled these myself in our backyard and they're quite a pain to get rid of, as the Wikipedia article notes. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Shooting grackles is illegal in some states. WATCH a male and female Red-winged Blackbird on my feeders above! However, they have also been known to eat other birds. Whether you consider them noisy pests or intelligent and bright acrobats, there is no doubt that blackbirds are fascinating birds. When you think about blackbirds in Arkansas, you probably dont think about Baltimore Orioles! They can most likely be seen in the state from October to May. Fun fact: Common Grackles may gather in their millions in winter to forage and roost, mixed in with other species of blackbird. Doing so is punishable as a misdemeanor and with fines of up to $15,000. Eastern Meadowlarks are found across eastern US states all year, but they will also breed in the Northeast and Canada before migrating south. Females have an interesting behavior where they may lay some of their eggs in the nests of other Hooded Mergansers. In conclusion, from a legal standpoint, you can't shoot a hawk unless you have a permit to do so. They are most frequently spotted in March here and occur in 5% of checklists at this time. Please note: Even if the band you recover is inscribed with a 1-800 telephone number, as of July 2, 2017, you can only report it at www.reportband.gov. They mainly eat insects, small fish, and seeds by flipping leaves and vegetation under the water. In fact, Bobolinks have decreased by up to 60% in the last 50 years, in part due to persecution and declining habitat. As dusk descends earlier and temperatures flirt a chill, the . First of all stop using platform feeders. Their range has spread over the past century because of their fondness for agricultural areas and urban areas. By some clever engineering you can adjust the feeder so when a heavy bird sits on the perch the feeder ports close. Then the government almost accidentally banned all bird shooting so they had to rush out a new list of 20 birds you CAN shoot - it's a list we call the general licences.