When you hang a wild bird feeder in your yard you sometimes wonder who you're feeding, the birds or the squirrels! Squirrels are so agile and have a voracious appetite and can empty your feeders before you have a chance to get back to the house after filling them. There is no such thing as a totally squirrel-proof wild bird feeder, but there are a few things you can do to help keep the sunflower seeds for your birds.
Squirrel-Proof Feeders. As I mentioned, there is no such thing as a totally squirrel-proof feeder. They are wily little critters and can get in places you would never imagine that they could. There are feeders, however, that make it a lot more difficult for them. Feeders with cages around them are great for songbirds and to keep squirrels out. The cages are just big enough to allow the smaller birds access and to deter the larger birds and squirrels. There are also feeders that work on a weight deterrent. When a squirrel (or large bird) perches on the feeding bar, the weight closes the feeder. When the weight is removed, the feeder opens again.
By Hook or by Crook. Setting a feeding station up by hanging your wild bird feeder from a shepherd's hook you can deter the squirrels. If they can't climb up the wrought iron to the feeder and can't drop down from a tree, they can't get to the seed. It also gives the birds a view of predators, like cats, to avoid. On the other hand, birds prefer cover and feel safer when there is some foliage to hide in, so judicial placement to keep birds happy and squirrels frustrated.
Can't Beat 'Em, Feed 'Em. Squirrels can be quite a lot of fun to watch when they aren't pilfering your bird feeders. The agility and daring that make them such thieves also can give you an afternoon show of gymnastic daring do. Try setting up a feeder just for them. Use peanuts and corn instead of your expensive bird seed. Who knows, you might end up building a squirrel gym for them like I did.
These are only a sampling of methods to keep the squirrels out of your wild bird feeder. There are a lot of imaginative squirrel-proofing ideas around, but these will get you started and give your songbirds a secure spot for lunch.
