Dear Bird Watchers,
Every April and May, we look forward to the return of our favorite migratory birds. It’s one of the best parts of spring.
As we eagerly await the bluebirds and warblers, there’s one feathered foe who always RSVPs early: the European Starling, the uninvited guest who eats all the snacks and heckles the host.
Why Starlings Are Such a Problem
If you’ve ever wondered why starlings seem to be everywhere, from your feeders and birdbaths to even your mailbox, you’re not imagining things.
They don’t just visit. They take over.
Starlings aggressively push out native birds like:
They compete for nesting spaces and often win. The result? Empty nesters with devastating results. In fact, bluebird numbers dropped dramatically in the mid-20th century, largely due to competition from invasive species like starlings.
So how did starlings become so widespread?
Back in 1890, Eugene Schieffelin released about 100 European Starlings into Central Park in New York. His goal was to introduce European bird species to North America.
Unfortunately, Mr. Schiellelin did not think about the long-term consequences. At least we’re smarter in the 21st century
Fast forward to today, and there are millions of starlings across the U.S. They’ve changed the birding landscape for the worse.
If You’re Dealing with Starlings, Start Here
If starlings are already taking over your yard, don’t wait. These simple steps can make an immediate difference.
1. Block Nesting Access
You don’t need to be a professional to make your home less inviting. Just channel your inner home improvement show host and outsmart a bird with a brain the size of a peanut.
• Seal openings with hardware cloth or metal flashing
• Install vent covers (especially over dryer vents)
• Avoid plastic netting—it won’t stop them
Check regularly so you prevent buildup and keep airflow safe.
2. Know If You Have an Active Nest
Watch and listen:
• Hearing chicks or scratching sounds?
• Seeing adults coming and going frequently?
That’s likely an active nest. If you’re unsure what to do next, consider contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
3. Use Proven Deterrents
Starlings are persistent, but these tools from Lowe’s can help:
• Bird spikes: Prevent roosting on ledges and gutters
• Repellent gel: Makes surfaces uncomfortable to land on
• Reflective deterrents: Flash tape or discs that scare birds away
• Decoys: Owl figures may help temporarily
👉 No single method is perfect. Try combining a few for better results.
4. Protect Your Feeders
This is one of the fastest ways to regain control. Think of it as putting a velvet rope around the VIP section of your bird feeder.
Try:
Switch your seed to:
• Safflower
• Nyjer
Beyond being a nuisance, do starlings carry risks to our health?
Yes, they can be.
Their droppings may carry:
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Parasites
These can pose risks to both humans and animals, especially in large concentrations. Learn more.
The Bottom Line
European Starlings aren’t just a nuisance. They’re a serious threat to native bird populations.
But here’s the good news:
You’re not powerless. With a little effort, you can turn your yard from a Starling Stadium back into JMA Wireless Dome.
You can make a real difference right in your own yard. Who knew saving birds could make you feel like a superhero? Cape optional.
Let’s Work Together to Protect Native Birds
There are millions of bird lovers across the country. If more of us take small, consistent steps, we can start to tip the balance back in favor of native species.
👉 Act now: choose one strategy to implement this week and see the impact yourself.
Afterward, share your results and experiences below to inspire others and build our bird-loving community.
Your Turn
Have you dealt with starlings in your yard?
• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• Do you have a tip specific to your area?
Drop your advice in the comments. Your insight could help another bird lover protect their feeders.
