Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Armchair birdwatchers know how relaxing it is to gaze out the window and find colorful, winged dinner guests feasting on seeds and nectar. A birdfeeder full of food can provide a show all day long during all four seasons. There are countless types of feeders available; each designed to hold specific foods that will attract specific species. Most fans of birdfeeders have several styles around their yards to attract an array of appreciative flying wildlife.
However, if you have squirrels in your neighborhood, you know how fast they can devour a feeder displaying seed or suet. There’s nothing more aggravating than having an unintended animal destroy the food or feeder you’ve worked so lovingly to provide for your feathered friends.
Squirrels and birds are attracted to many of the same foods—seeds, in particular. And the simple fact is that squirrels will eat bird seed faster than you can refill it. They can also ruin a feeder designed for animals a fraction of their weight. They’ll use their teeth to gnaw on anything that has the scent of food. So, what’s a birdwatcher to do?
You can’t blame squirrels for taking advantage of a quick and tempting source of food, but you can stop them from eating the birds’ meals. Luckily, man’s brain works faster than a squirrel’s, and now there are many successfully designed squirrel-proof birdfeeders to suit every backyard enthusiast’s needs.
Since feeders for birds are designed to hang from a post, a roof edge, or a tree limb, they are not out of reach of the crafty squirrels. Squirrels seem to enjoy the challenge of accessing food no matter where the feeder is suspended.
Look for squirrel-proof feeders that are specific to your needs. Make sure you find the type of feeder intended for the species of birds you wish to attract, first and foremost. Consider where you’ll place your feeder. You don’t want a heavy metal feeder hanging too closely to a window. You also don’t want a feeder intended for shade to hang fully exposed to the elements. Also, think about the population of squirrels in your area, to determine the durability required of your feeder. And the size of the feeder should be appropriate to the space you have available.
Some squirrel-proof feeders operate by spring-loaded doors, some by gravity alone, and others by physical barrier. Depending on the type of feed you intend to provide, there are also feeders that have openings so small that only the tiniest of beaks can gain access. The Mandarin Ala Cart Birdfeeder provides four separate feed chambers and a squirrel-proof function that will attract many species of birds while foiling the plans of hungry squirrels.
Until squirrels learn how to feed while suspended in air, their weight and size will keep them out of the newest squirrel-proof feeders, and birders will be able to choose who they wish to attract to the feast they’ve provided.
