Steelman: Some winter tips

Keep bird feeders full
- black-oil sunflowers are a favorite of many birds
- thistle seed is preferred by goldfinches
- suet provides energy for lots of birds during winter

Wildlife Damage/Population Management
Close crawl spaces under the house and check for openings in the attic
- helps keep snakes, skunks, and squirrels from getting into places where they are not welcome
- rodents are beginning to cache food for the coming winter; take action now to keep them out of your house
- glueboards are very effective in trapping mice, snakes, and lizards looking for a warm place inside your basement or garage

Blackbirds and starlings have gathered into large winter flocks
- don't allow them to roost in your trees; if they start, they'll form a habit
- repel them with noise makers (shotguns, firecrackers, banging metal pans together)
- be persistent

Vultures may be problematic around structures and livestock holding areas
- scare tactics using firearms and pyrotechnics are effective-persistence is necessary
- it is against the law to shoot a vulture
- contact USDA-Wildlife Services for severe problems

Bruce Steelman
614 Lehman Street
Phone: 615-563-2554
E:mail- tsteelm2@utk.edu