Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Birders

RockRaven

(15,049 posts)

2. In my neck of the woods (SF Bay Area) we've got Chickadees (Chestnut-backed)

Reply to Ptah (Original post)

Thu Apr 25, 2024, 11:03 PM

Apr 25

present year round, and they don't touch the sunflowers' leaves for whatever reason, despite the chickadees being omnipresent at our nearby feeders.

Our sunflowers still get ravaged as you have captured in that pic, however, but by Lesser Goldfinches instead.

And no, I've got no idea how to prevent it. We've tried out-planting their appetite, that was only marginally successful. We ended up with a bunch more only slightly less moth-eaten sunflowers.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

6 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

When my sunflowers reach about two or three feet, they get attacked. [View all] Ptah Apr 25 OP

Put out a chickadee feeder with sunflower seeds for them? marybourg Apr 25 #1

In my neck of the woods (SF Bay Area) we've got Chickadees (Chestnut-backed) RockRaven Apr 25 #2

It's common behavior for Lesser Goldfinches in your part of the country as they prepare to breed. Donkees Apr 26 #3

Photos: Lesser Goldfinches ravaging sunflower plants Donkees Apr 26 #4

Excellent information, Donkees! Ptah Apr 28 #5

You might consider planting ''Mexican Sunflowers'' in the same bed, to help protect your original plants Donkees Apr 28 #6