Winter Bird Feeding

[newfoundlander61]

I have been thinking about setting up some feeders this year in my backyard. Instead of trying to fight off the squirrels would it not be easier to just set them up a feeder away from the bird feeders. Any suggestions on this or has anyone tried. What food source would be the best for them in regards to lasting the longest.

[Leslie Kinrys]

I place my bird feeders far enough away from walls and trees, so the Olympian squirrels can't leap onto the feeders. I also find a metal baffle helps keep the furry devils off my feeders. Squirrels don't like nyger, so you can place those feeders anywhere. I hope these tips help.

[Leslie]

Squirrels are attracted to any concentrated food source,* so using a decoy as I believe you are suggesting would attract them, it just wouldn't keep them away from your other food sources, the ones you intend for the exclusive use of birds.
* According to a book my Dad gave me called "Outwitting Squirrels."  It went to the second edition, so I conclude the squirrels own the copyright.

[Rob'in'To]

Its a never ending battle Paul.

I use pure suet for the Woodpeckers and occasional Chickadee.  The cakes last me a couple weeks instead of a coupke hours.


I have one feeder with just Safflower in it that the Cardinals and House Finches use.  Nobody else seems to like Safflower.

The above two deter Squirrels and other birds.

We have a pole system with a baffler on it.  Its smack dab in the middle of the yard and the Squirrels cannot hit these feeders either with mixed seeds, whole and shelled peanuts, etc.

I do keep a few old feeders out where they can have at.  And hanging corn cobs too.  Everyone is spoiled here.

[byrons]

Same strategy here ... pole system with baffle, set well away from trees that they can jump from .  Safflower is also a good choice, as the squirrels don't seem to like it very much but lots of birds also don't seem that fussy on it.  you can also use some of the squirrel buster feeders.  My in-laws have one and it seems to be effective.  We also hang dried corn cobs on a bungee cord.  Don't know whether it keeps the squirrels from our feeders, but it is endlessly amusing.  

Byron

[Ron Luft]

We have several feeders out with a variety of seeds. The ones that are not attacked by varmints (squirrels) are on a pole and the feeders  are in a cage (perhaps what the others refer to as a baffle?). Refilling the feeders is a bit labour intensive but the seed lasts quite a while even though bird traffic in and out of them makes Pearson Airport look like a forgotten airstrip. Peanuts are a squirrels best friend but also attract Jays. Investing in expensive squirrel proof feeders and top quality seed(avoid pricey 'wild bird' seed from the grocery store) does pay off in the long run by slowing the rate of consumption of your seed and attracting a wider more interesting 'list' of birds. Wild birds though DO like cover to duck into, in the form of dense shrubbery and evergreen trees and hedges. Our back yard (large) is planted as a native forest (Wh.Pine, Hemlock, Wh.Spruce, Red Oak and even a Wh.Elm (Shhh, don't tell)Brambles, Red Osier Dogwoods, Junipers and is never ever empty and quiet. Bird life is constantly changing with the seasons. Having heated water sources(3) outside also helps them with a drinking/bathing source. The list of birds for our Etobicoke yard is Long!