Saratoga Springs, New York

Frequently Asked QuestionsNo grackle


Q.    Is it true that blackbirds, starlings, and grackles do not like safflower seeds?
A.    Some of the blackbirds eat safflower only when there's nothing else to eat, otherwise they don't much care for it.  Cardinals seem to love safflower.  If you want to feed smaller birds, get small, roofed feeders that exclude larger birds (satellite-shaped feeders and domed feeders with adjustable-height roofs work well).

 

Q.  Do all birds migrate?
A.  Not all bird species migrate, but most do.  Migration is defined as the seasonal movement of birds, north in the springs from the wintering grounds, and southward in the fall from the breeding grounds.  Among the birds that are resident, or do not migrate, are many grouse, ptarmigan, and quail species, many owl species, pileated, red-bellied, downy, and hairy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatch, Carolina wren, northern cardinal, wrentit, ring-necked pheasant, Townsend's solitaire, common raven, gray jay, and northern mockingbird,.