The arrival of spring heralds a surge in garden wildlife activity, presenting bird enthusiasts with the challenge of deterring pesky pigeons. These birds, notorious for their aggressive feeding habits and burgeoning numbers - a staggering 400 million globally - are frequently to blame for damaging bird feeders.

Wildlife expert and head of production Richard Green from has disclosed essential tips for Brits aiming to protect their bird feeders from these avian invaders. Richard remarked: "Pigeons tend to flock in large numbers, which often causes overcrowding at feeders. This additional strain can cause physical damage to feeding ports, perches, and other components, making it difficult for smaller bird species to access food.

"Pigeons have strong beaks that can exert force when pecking at feeders, especially those made from softer materials. Over time, this can lead to significant wear and tear, making the feeder less effective and potentially unsafe for the intended bird species."

These key steps can be taken to keep bird feeders safe from pigeons and other predators:

Mesh cages serve as an effective deterrent, preventing pigeons from reaching the bird feeders while still permitting smaller birds to enter and feed.

Opting for bird food types such as safflower seeds and nyjer seeds, which are less enticing to pigeons but still attractive to smaller birds, can naturally decrease the number of pigeons frequenting your feeders.

The upkeep and monitoring of bird feeders are crucial in preventing pigeon damage. Regularly cleaning feeders to prevent seed build-up and swiftly repairing any damage can deter larger birds from accessing the food, ensuring the feeder remains functional for smaller birds.

Squirrels and other creatures can disrupt bird feeders by frightening away smaller birds, impacting their survival. A revealed that predators attacked 74 out of 102 bird nests, with squirrels accounting for 11% of these attacks. This highlights the risk unprotected bird feeders pose to nearby nests and eggs.

One of the most effective methods to discourage squirrels and other unwanted animals from bird feeders is to place them out of reach. Position feeders away from nearby trees or other surfaces that animals could use to leap onto the feeder.

Baffles are highly recommended tools for keeping animals like squirrels, raccoons, and mice from accessing feeders. Typically made of metal or plastic, they are designed to thwart climbing, providing a simple yet effective barrier.

Adding a seed tray beneath your bird feeder can be an effective way to catch any seeds that fall, preventing them from attracting unwanted pests such as rats. This small adjustment can significantly improve the cleanliness and safety of your bird feeding area.

While platform trays may seem like a convenient option, they often leave seeds exposed and easily accessible to other animals. Opting for more enclosed feeders can help minimise this risk, deterring creatures such as raccoons and rats.

Weight-sensitive feeders are another excellent solution for keeping larger animals at bay. These ingenious devices automatically shut when activated by the weight of heavier animals, ensuring only smaller birds can access the food.