Uninvited Pests at bird feeders

UNINVITED GUESTS AT THE BIRD FEEDER
Once you get your bird feeder or bird house up and running, you may run into problems with uninvited guests, aka pests. These are two categories -- those interested in the seeds (rats and mices, squirrels and chipmunks, starlings and sparrows), and those interested in having a bird for dinner or a snack (house cats and hawks). Wind chimes can help in some cases, with the chime noise and flashes. If you have trees, you have squirrels. You may enjoy their antics, until they take over your bird feeders. Then you'll either love them or hate them.
Those who love squirrels tolerate their visits, and may even encourage them with special squirrel toys and feeders. When a squirrel is at the feeder, you're not likely to see birds. Squirrels will frighten off the birds while they eat the seed, and quite possibly, they'll eat the bird feeder too. The simplest solution is a squirrel-proof feeder or pole, and storing your seed in a sealed container. Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become an issue where there's seed spillage under the bird feeder.

Cats and Hawks
Feral domestic cats and your neighbor's outdoor cat are a threat to nestlings, fledglings and roosting birds. Too often, the presence of just one aggressive cat on the prowl near your feeder can frighten off birds. When a cat sits waiting under your bird feeder, you won't see any birds. You're bound to eventually find a pile of feathers on the ground. Talk to your cat owning neighbors, and suggest a bell collar. If that doesn't work, consider getting yourself a pet, a dog. Birds don't seem to be bothered by most dogs, but cats and squirrels are. If there are no cats in your neighborhood, but find dead birds, look for a hungry hawk nearby. You may consider yourself fortunate to see one, right in your backyard. Hawks eat birds and play an important role in the natural community. Don't put out any types of poisons, or try to trap them, since all birds of prey -- eagles, owls and hawks -- are protected by various Federal laws.