(Image: BriBar via Getty Images)
Robins are a delightful sight in every garden especially during the winter months. However, they can easily be spooked by other unwanted birds.
Ring-necked parakeets are increasingly common in UK gardens, but these invasive birds often dominate feeders and push out robins and other smaller species.
Richard Green, a bird feeding expert from Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, warned that "once parakeets discover a food source, they take over fast", forcing out other wildlife, such as robins.
He explained: "They commonly arrive in small numbers at first, then build into flocks that push out smaller birds and damage feeders with their powerful beaks."
However, there are humane methods to discourage these dominating birds.
Parakeet are quick to overtake a food sources(Image: Getty)
Richard added: "Changing the food is a quick and easy solution, if a garden offers peanuts or sunflower seeds, parakeets will keep coming back. Switching to niger seed, millet or suet products, and most will lose interest quickly."
Another crucial strategy is ensuring you have proper deterrents, reports the Express.
He said: "Barriers such as domes and baffles are useful because they make it harder for larger birds to land and feed.
"Although these products are usually sold for squirrel control, they also make life difficult for parakeets when paired with careful feeder placement."
You must also be mindful about which bird feeders you choose.
Richard said: "Caged feeders are often marketed as a solution, but they are only partially effective as parakeets can still reach through the bars with their long necks and remove seeds."
Robust designs, such as squirrel-proof feeders, prove effective because they're durable, bite-resistant and engineered to block food access when subjected to heavier weights.
Weight-activated feeders are presently the most dependable choice for those determined to deter parakeets.
Richard explained: "These feeders automatically shut when anything heavier than a small songbird lands on them, preventing parakeets, starlings, squirrels and even rats from emptying the food.
"Parakeets are classed as an invasive non-native species, and there are growing concerns about the pressure they put on native wildlife."
They compete directly with birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches for nesting holes and dominate feeders, which reduces feeding opportunities for smaller birds.
Specialists at Vine House farm agree that the three finest feeders to exclude parakeets are caged hanging feeders, large squirrel busters and ground guards.
The specialists added that a combination of various feeders means that you'd have some caged feeders – both hanging and ground – "to allow most of your more welcome garden birds to feed in relative peace".
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