Question 1

Can I hang the oriole feeder on the same dual shepherd's pole, across from my finch feeder?

Accepted Answer

You could of course...but I would not. Finches are skittish little birds and Orioles are not only much larger but can be intimidating to other birds when it comes to feeding.  I also could not recommend this feeder. There are tiny drain holes in the feeding area tray which drip rain AND the jelly onto the ground below. It's a mess and attracts ants. Hope this helps

Question 2

Aren't bees attracted to the jelly? Can you keep them away?

Accepted Answer

I'd be quite happy to also feed bees.  We need more bees around and I try to attract those too but mostly through plantings since they don't really prefer feeders.

Now, if you have wasps or hornets, which is really what "bee" guards end up blocking most of the time, you can do a variety of things to repel and trap them.  As soon as we moved into this house that had been feeding birds for years I put in wasp traps and we got help removing all nests old and new.  Then when we ordered beneficial garden insects in spring I bought a very strong essential oil repellent from the same company and drenched all areas the wasps had built nests in the past as well as the deck edges.  Since it's plant oil based it needs applied frequently depending on how insistent the wasps are on returning to an area they nested before.  I use peppermint oil mixed with soap to spray between applications or the edge of the deck while we are outside to repel all types of pest flying insects for the rest of the day.

We have lacewings, praying mantis, and ladybugs everywhere with some bumblebees and no wasp or hornet species in the yard for more than 30mins before they leave or get stuck in a trap.  We even increased the existing feeders because the orioles and hummingbirds can have all the jelly and nectar out they want and there's nothing else that bothers trying to eat it.

Question 3

Are ants attracted to this feeder?

Accepted Answer

I did notice ants on the platform of the feeder last time I turned the knob but I have seen bigger ant problems.  There is a red cup that you can hang before the feeder.  You fill it with water and that helps to prevent the ants from getting to the feeder.  I love this feeder and the birds do too.

Question 4

Is this good to feed blue jays and cardinals?

Accepted Answer

I have found the little birds (sparrows, chickadees, finches, etc.) throw enough seed out of the feeder to take care of the cardinals, the blue jays and the morning doves that come.  I have yet to find a feeder that accommodates these larger birds, but I find them to be ground feeders.  I hope this helps.

Perky-PetPerky Pet Wild Bird Feeder

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