These ‘guests’ fall into two categories – those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).

If you have trees, you will get to know squirrels. You may marvel at their antics, until they take over your bird feeders. Then you’ll either love them or hate them.

Those who love squirrels tolerate their visits, and may even encourage them with special squirrel toys and feeders.

But when a squirrel is at the feeder, you’re not likely to see birds. Squirrels will scare off the birds while they eat the seed, and sooner or later, they’ll eat the feeder too.

The simplest solution is the squirrel-proof feeder or pole, and storing your seed in a metal garbage can.

Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become a problem where there’s seed spillage under the feeder. Don’t use mixed bird seed (far too much waste), and if you don’t have a squirrel problem, add a feeder tray to catch fall out before it hits the ground.

Crows, house sparrows and starlings can also be trouble guests. The troubles with these birds can be eliminated by seed and feeder selection.

Cats are another story altogether. Feral (wild) cats and your neighbor’s pet tabby are a serious threat to nestlings, fledglings and roosting birds. Far too often, the presence of just one cat on the prowl near your feeder can take the enjoyment out of your backyard bird watching experience.

When a cat sits drooling under your feeder, you’re not likely to see any birds and you’ll be horrified to find a pile of feathers on the ground one day when you know ‘that cat’ has been by.

If your neighbor is reasonable, suggest a bell collar. If that doesn’t work, consider getting yourself a pet — a dog! Birds don’t seem to be bothered by most dogs, but cats and squirrels are and they’ll high tail it off your property!

If there are no cats in your neighborhood and you find a pile of feathers near your feeder, look for a hungry hawk perching on a tree nearby and circling regularly. Try not to get upset if you do see one, Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks eat birds and play an important role in the natural circle of life.

Whatever you do, don’t put out poisons, or traps for birds of prey! These birds (as most) are protected by Federal law.

Filed in: Bird Feeders, Wild Bird Feeders

John Deere Absolute Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder

Order the John Deere feeder here. or check ebay for the best prices on John Deere gifts right now.

For more squirrel proof feeders scroll down (or type ’squirrel’ into the search box above left). Other signature feeders in this post are not considered squirrel proof, they have been selected for their unique appearance only.

Terra Cotta Fly Thru Wild Bird Feeder (above left) Click here for recent reviews or to order.

Metal & Ceramic Fly Through Wild Bird Feeder (above right) Direct link to the Metal and Ceramic feeder.

Fun Style! Olde Town Cafe Wild Bird Feeder

Learn more about the Olde Town Cafe Feeder here.

Garden Ballet Hummingbird Mobile. Graceful bends of sculpted metal combined with glass nectar containers create a stunning, hanging, garden sculpture that is both functional and beautiful. Tempered glass nectar containers resist scratches and fading even in the hottest sun rays. This unit holds nearly 30 ounces of sweet nectar that you can easily prepare yourself using just sugar and water (no dyes needed – which can actually harm your hummingbird visitors). Buy this hummingbird feeder online!

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

Search by: Squirrel Proof, Wild Bird Feeder

First up, The Nuttery! (featured above left) Squirrel resistant and dishwasher safe. A great name and classic styling but it seems a little over-priced when compared to some other squirrel ‘proof’ feeders I’ve used in the past. If you’re interested, check it out here. And, if you have this product, please let me know how you feel about it!

Check out all the squirrel proof feeders currently on sale – starting at $5.99!

The real star – in my opinion – is a few dollars more, but is squirrel proof. You see it above on the right. Not only is it squirrel proof, but it is absolutely beautifully designed! This tube feeder features heavy-duty construction in either stainless steel or copper. It is virtually indestructible by squirrels and can hold a total of 10 pounds of seed which makes it great for those hard to reach hanging places or to continue feeding the birds while you’re on a winter holiday. Twelve feeding stations in all with one independent thistle and two seperate sunflower tubes. As well as mixed seed. The built-in funnel and a quick release seed tray allows for fast and easy filling and clean-up. My favorite, the copper finish, is shown above. Click here to see the stainless version or to order online.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

Search by: squirrels, feeding the birds

The first, double-purpose tubular squirrel-proof feeder (above left) handles both seed and suet feeding. At 20 3/4″ tall, the 10 1/2″ diameter cage keeps squirrels and large birds away from the seed. The feeder has 4 seed ports and 2 suet cake holders. Song birds love the cage, which they pass through easily and also use for perching. This squirrel-proof feeder arrives at your door fully assembled and ready to hang. Includes the “Squirrel-Lock” seed protection which keeps seed out of squirrels’ reach so less is wasted. Seed is also protected from weather and snow build-up by the domed roof. A durable all-metal construction provides a long life for this top of the line feeder. Order yours today!

The Globe Squirrel-resistant feeder (above right) provides a safe feeding haven for small birds. This product was researched with the British Trust for Ornithology, and is a well-designed bird feeder that keeps average sized gray squirrels out yet allows chickadees, finches and other small birds in – just what you’re after!

The innovative design also keeps other predators like cats and large birds away from the seed and gives the smaller birds a safe feeding zone. Polycarbonate locking central food tube with four feeding stations is designed to hold sunflower and wild birdseed. The ‘cage’ is made with heavy-gauge powder-coated steel to ensure long life, feeding your backyard songbirds for many years to come. 12″ diameter x 11″ H. Order the Millenium Globe Squirrel Proof feeder – or check for recent reviews – by clicking here.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

Search by: squirrel-proof feeder

The Droll Yankees Domed Cage Sunflower Wild Bird Feeder (above left) is one of the hottest selling feeders available today. The style combines a very popular tube style feeder with an 8″ diameter green wire cage that allows songbirds easy clearance through the 11/2″ openings. Keeps squirrels and large birds away from the seed. The tube is easy to remove for cleaning to maintain the health of the birds. 15″ long x 8″ wide. This model is a little more expensive than the average feeder on the market, but in my opinion it is well worth the price as you’ll enjoy it for many years. Check out the best deals here.

The second model (shown above right) is the new Feed Safe bird feeder. It allows a wide varitey of birds to feed while keeping squirrels out.

The cage feature will not allow the body of an average grey squirrel to pass through to the feed which saves you money and mess! And allows your backyard birds to feed without interruption. Order this model now… or use our handy search feature to browse other squirrel proof wild bird feeders at AttractWildBirds.com.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

Search by: squirrels