Robin Proof Oyster Bar

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Bob Buskas
Posts: 600
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2003 8:08 pm
Location: Wetaskiwin Alberta, Canada

Hi Folks, we are getting cold weather up here in Alberta. Windy and only 5 degrees Celsius today. Here are some pictures of my Oyster bar feeder . I had to put sides on it to keep the Robins from eating the meal worms and defending the feeder to my Martins. I feed Oyster shell, mealworms and microwave scrambled egg on the Oyster bar feeder. The plexy glass sides are 1 1/2" up from the feeder floor. The Martins can easily enter but the Robins are too big and fat to get in. It has worked out great. :lol:
Mary Dawnsong
Posts: 1685
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2003 8:17 pm
Location: Michigan, Livingston County

Hi Bob,

Very useful photo!
I've thought of doing something similar to protect feeding martins from Coopers Hawk attack.

Participant suegary in TX has been having problems with seagulls stealing food from her platform feeder. I have experienced some seagull problems, too, on my inland lake.

My best, Mary
Click here to see my colony
"In Michigan every martin matters"
Tim Mangan-Kansas
Posts: 1728
Joined: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:25 am
Location: Kansas, Pittsburg
Martin Colony History: 2016 - 22 Pair

Bob:
That is really a neat setup. I wonder how long it will take before a pair will decide to build a nest in there?
Tim
Bob Buskas
Posts: 600
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2003 8:08 pm
Location: Wetaskiwin Alberta, Canada

It really is a great social area for the Martins. They love it and all the food stays nice and dry for them . I made it so one side easily comes off for filling. This feeder would work good for the Sea Gulls as well Mary. If you want more pictures of it I can get more for details.
Bob Buskas, Alberta, Canada (The Northern Sky's Colony) Supplimental feeding is the key during bad weather, but you must train them to feed ahead of time.
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