I have observed at my own feeder that the blue jays only stay for a time, and then move on. After they leave, the little birds return. Nor do the jays eat up all the food. There is plenty for everyone.

The squirrels make a bit of a mess, however. I notice they can pour out copious quantities of seed onto the ground. But, then the little ground feeders hop in and enjoy it.

Nature is messy like that.

Yup, the jays left. The woodpeckers have moved in, but they are only at the station for a few minutes. I'll keep my fingers crossed that little guys come back soon.

Squirrels, smuirrels. The hawks keep them from crossing the yard to the feeder. Gophers...that's another story. Fortunately, they don't know where the feeder is.

More of a problem here, I fear, are the legions of cats that crisscross the area. I feel badly about that, because they behave as if I have created their own private bird hunting sanctuary.

That said, they do keep the mice away. Nature manages to balance things out. I have faith in that.