Our 2021 Magic Halo Efficacy Survey has just arrived, and the results are flowing in. If you haven't already, please click HERE to participate. It's only 3 multiple choice questions, and 100% safe and secure.
If you have already participated, and are among ~25% reporting poor or failed results, feel free to email us (include a photo of your feeder and halo, if possible) anytime for troubleshooting measures that we hope will turn things around for you: admin@magichalo.org. Please take note of the following:
- If you bought your Halo before Sept 2019, the model "Classic" was only offered with 30" hanging wires in a 4 line config. This was ample length for most ordinary tube and hopper feeders, but the weighted ends fell about even or slightly above the feeding ports on jumbo tubes (e.g. Yankee Flipper, Brome Squirrelbuster Plus, etc). If this is you, we offer free wire extenders to anyone who requests them from before that time period. Email us at: admin@magichalo.org
- Consider adding additional hanging wires. Some of our customers report this as making the difference. If it is juvenile House Sparrows (HOSP), it may not make much difference, however, given their immunity to halos and lines-type devices in the first place. It's a matter of experimentation. If you are planning to add your own additional wires as a test, just ensure you add makeshift weights on the ends to tension them.
- Among those reporting poor results, all but one feed year-round. The evidence suggests that HOSP deterrence is highest when the Halo is installed in the Autumn with continued feeding through Winter and mid-Spring. Feeding through the Summer may see Juveniles appear at your feeder, followed by continued immunity with adult adaptation into Winter and beyond. After 4 straight years at 100% deterrence, we fed through the Summer for the first time in 2020 and are having this problem now. We plan to "reset" our feeders by returning to a Fall-Winter-Spring schedule in 2021, and see if we return to 100% HOSP deterrence as in years past.
- It seems to be the case that the presence of the Halo and its hanging wires does incite anxiety and nervousness in HOSP, and their visits shorter as a result. You may consider removing your Halo for a few weeks, and observe behavior in order to demonstrate any differences in this regard, and their numbers overall.
- Seed type and feeder design does not appear to make a difference so far. Husk seeds such as black oil sunflower or safflower still attract HOSP to feeders, where they may decide it's too much work to crack seeds. Because of this, they may move on elsewhere -- making this an effective deterrent in itself.
- If you are one of those that saw Halo deterrence rates start to drop in the Summer with continued HOSP presence into Winter, consider taking down your feeder(s) by late Spring and reinstall come Oct or Nov. This may have the effect of "resetting" your system, with Juvenile HOSP having moved elsewhere, e.g. neighbor's feeders or other food sources in the region.
- If you are on Facebook, consider joining one or both of these groups, which include lively discussions about HOSP and the use of Halos and similar means to control them: Birdhouses, Bird Feeders & Garden Designs for Native Species | House Sparrow Control