Hey, everyone. I'm new here and found this forum, like most, from Ted's YouTube channel. I was wondering if anyone had some insight on pest birds. The bird feeder I put out back is being overtaken by grackles. There's a few starlings and house sparrows too but they don't seem to be bothering the other birds so I really don't care if they dine in the backyard feeder. I'm pretty sure that grackles are protected in my area (Maryland) so I don't think I can shoot them, although I will look more into it. (I only have an RWS 48 that I bought when I was 16 back in 1998). The wife is getting pissed when she sees them scare off the nuthatches, cardinals, chickadees, titmouse etc. so I've been tempted to whack them anyway. Anyone else in here have problems with grackles? I will shoot the house sparrows and starlings if they become a problem as I would rather not kill them for no reason.
Grackles
- Thread starter Bocivus
- Start date
You're are correct, the grackles are a protected species. If you have any questions on any other birds, check this out
http://www.pacificwildlife.org/info/online%20docs/fmbtalist.pdf
http://www.pacificwildlife.org/info/online%20docs/fmbtalist.pdf
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Grackles are protected????????????????????
WHY????????????????
It's one of the nastiest invasive large small birds in the country.
I shoot them only when I plant seeds in my garden as the creeps will scratch like
a chicken until they find and eat every seed I plant.
I live in Ohio, maybe not protected? I know farmers that carry a s.g. on tractors to shoot them as they
eat planted seeds.
Yeah they be on the list along with a ton of other trash birds.
WHY????????????????
It's one of the nastiest invasive large small birds in the country.
I shoot them only when I plant seeds in my garden as the creeps will scratch like
a chicken until they find and eat every seed I plant.
I live in Ohio, maybe not protected? I know farmers that carry a s.g. on tractors to shoot them as they
eat planted seeds.
Yeah they be on the list along with a ton of other trash birds.
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In Wisconsin, it is legal to shoot grackles (and other native "black birds") without a permit, so long as the appropriate criteria are met:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/documents/nuswlguide.pdf
Most states have similar restrictions/allowances. Check with your state wildlife/conservation agency.
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/documents/nuswlguide.pdf
Most states have similar restrictions/allowances. Check with your state wildlife/conservation agency.
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jeager106, I also live in Ohio. Grackles as well as every bird except starlings and english sparrows are protected in Ohio. However, similar to Wisconsin, you can get permission to shoot them and about any other critter that becomes a pest on your property. The state will issue a permit, but if you call your local warden they usually give you verbal permission. Atleast you are covering yourself this way and face no possible legal issues.
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Yeah, they're protected here in Maryland. Unless they're doing property damage you can't shoot them. I can't stand them though.
Calberry, thanks for that link as it is an excellent reference.
Ted, thanks for the response. It appears to be the same out here in The People's Republic of Maryland.
Calberry, thanks for that link as it is an excellent reference.
Ted, thanks for the response. It appears to be the same out here in The People's Republic of Maryland.
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Hummmm? I've shot lots of grackles when younger and they dug up the seeds dad planted
in our one acre kitchen garden.
GEESE are becoming a scourge these days but of course they a Federally protected.
I hunted waterfowl for years when I was younger and healthier and admire the Canada
goose but they have multiplied in such numbers they are now a considerable nuisance bird.
My g-friend has a 2 acre lake in her back yard and it's literally covered in geese and goslings.
The lake is spring feed and clear, bass abound as do hybrid bluegills.
Last year kids swimming there got real sick and everyone was surprised and a bit scared
when e-coli was what made the kids sick. (real sick)
It was recommended NOT to eat fish from this water. Many smaller lakes are e-coli cesspools
due to goo-poo.
We all know geese eat and poop all day everyday.
Evidently this small lake is now an e-coli cesspool do to goose poop, not to mention no one
can't walk anywhere near the back yards without shoes being covered in goo-poo.
I'd hate to shoot them and won't but too bad we can't deal with them some way.
in our one acre kitchen garden.
GEESE are becoming a scourge these days but of course they a Federally protected.
I hunted waterfowl for years when I was younger and healthier and admire the Canada
goose but they have multiplied in such numbers they are now a considerable nuisance bird.
My g-friend has a 2 acre lake in her back yard and it's literally covered in geese and goslings.
The lake is spring feed and clear, bass abound as do hybrid bluegills.
Last year kids swimming there got real sick and everyone was surprised and a bit scared
when e-coli was what made the kids sick. (real sick)
It was recommended NOT to eat fish from this water. Many smaller lakes are e-coli cesspools
due to goo-poo.
We all know geese eat and poop all day everyday.
Evidently this small lake is now an e-coli cesspool do to goose poop, not to mention no one
can't walk anywhere near the back yards without shoes being covered in goo-poo.
I'd hate to shoot them and won't but too bad we can't deal with them some way.
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I hear ya, man. The geese at my work site and in my neighborhood drive me nuts. I would never shoot them either but, like you, am frustrated at having to clean my boots of the goo-poo (great word lol) every time I take the dogs for a walk around the pond or walk at my work site. They make nests and chase cars that drive by it when the male deems it to be too close to the eggs. It's kinda funny though.
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Can't believe common grackles are protected in some places. They're smart and wary, and once a group is shot at, they get very gun shy.
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From another angle for years we had the same problem (Sparrows,Greakles,Sarlings). By chance we ended up with about a years worth of Black Oil Sunflower seeds. after about 4 months I began to notice we only had the good birds (Red,Blue Gold Finch,Black capped Chickadee even a painted bunting now and then, Long story short is that and finch feed all we buy now. Its a bit more but worth it. The others are still in the area but they are not around the feeders. Hope that helps.
DL
DL
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I never pulled the trigger because I know they are protected under the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but here's a screen shot of me out watching one of them with my scope cam.
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DLFant, that definitely helps, man. Thanks for the pointers. I may try that when the suet and other stuff run out. I'm sure my gf will be pleased as she is about ready to shoot them too.
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