Backyard Birder

Cat Stop

The other day I witnessed a cat pounce on the birds feeding on the ground, under the feeder. I knew the neighbor feeds cats, but I hadn't noticed any problems before. I checked a bird forum for advice. They had a number of suggestions- trap the offending cats, build a fence around the feeder or get a dog. The fence idea will be a last resort, the others I don't think I'll try. The other idea was to place a Cat Stop at the feeder. The reviews were mixed, so I don't know how well this will work. I thought some of the poor reviews might have been due to the cat getting desensitized from hearing it too much. I do know a pair of cats were sleeping nearby, and were unfazed by the unit while I was installing it. I could tell it was being triggered, too.

In rec.birds someone recommended a waste free birdseed. With all the shells laying under my feeders, I think I'll give it a try. It is more expensive, but you are not paying for the shells. I ordered some here.

Since installing the new web cam, I haven't seen any downys. I believe there was only one pair, so I might just have missed seeing them. Please leave a comment here, if you see one!