Squirrel-resistant Bird Buffet

Squirrel-Resistant Bird Buffet

If you have ever tried to feed birds odds are you have had to put up with squirrels. For years I've tried a variety of ways of keeping them away and have always failed. Finally last year I rigged up a steel cable and ran it through a pulley suspended high up in an oak tree in our back yard. So far it seems to work.

Part of the trick is the dome at the very top. They can crawl down the cable, but they can't get around the dome. Another trick is keeping the feeders far enough from the trunk of the tree so that jumping on is difficult.

This system is working so well that I'm using it for a wide variety of feeders.

From the top (under the dome) is a Droll Yankee Model BTG Big Top Bird Feeder with black oil sunflower seeds.

Under that is a Droll Yankee tube feeder (B-7 Bird Feeder) also with with black oil sunflower seeds.

Off to the side of the tube feeder is a suet feeder for wood peckers and nuthatches.

Under the tube feeder is a Hum Zinger feeder for Hummingbirds.

Above the hummingbird feeder are orange halves to attract Baltimore Orioles.

This is certainly a Rube Goldberg-like contraption, but since I love watching birds it is worth the trouble. Plus, how can I let squirrels outwit me?!

 

Comments

[Bill Knight]

Henry, sorry, I seem to be practically mugging the comments section of your blog but... what do you do about cowbirds? I've stopped birdfeeding on account of them and we have a lot of hungry looking "good" birds in the yard I'd like to feed.

That is quite a contraption you've accreted! You must have to dismantle it carefully.