Death by Bird Feeder!

[Bluffs Birder]

I returned home this afternoon only to find that my feeder ("Squirrel B-Gone" by Yule-Hyde) had claimed the life of another House Sparrow.  This is the second victim within the span of about 4 weeks.  In my opinion it appears that there is a design flaw with the decorative leaves that are on the outside of the cage.  This is a spring-loaded type feeder and the leaves are what cover the holes when larger birds or squirrels try to get on it and eat.  Both birds had gotten a leg trapped between a leaf and the cage and sadly hung to die.  Tonight I bent all the leaf tips out and away from the cage in hopes that this will correct the problem.



Thought I'd post this as a heads-up for anyone who owns this feeder or anyone looking to buy it.

I'll try to contact the manufacturer and make them aware of the issue.

Best birding!
Walter

[newfoundlander61]

Don't be shy to send them a pic if it happens again with the bird still in the killed position. Sounds sick sort of but making a point to a business sometimes takes a little directness. Good luck for the rest of the winter.

[Mathew Rossi]

For what it's worth, I have the same feeder, and nothing has gotten stuck in it yet. The squirrels have chewed the lid, it's been pulled down by a raccoon, but no fatalities over here, through the fall and winter. Regardless, it must be a drag having them getting stuck over there.

[mr.sharp-photo]

i used to have that piece of shit feeder. more problems than good.

i'd get rid of it and look at some of the other ones at the various bird stores. i have a rounder version w/o the decorative leaves or such a finicky spring system