| When your yard is covered with snow, the easiest | | | | away the birds, and eat all your seed, not to mention |
| way to enjoy feeding birds is to simply toss seed out | | | | the fact that they will destroy your feeders in the |
| on the ground... it's the lazy person's way to bird | | | | process. To keep squirrels out of your feeders takes |
| feeding. But it's much better for the birds to get their | | | | a combination of the right bird feeder design, and |
| treats from a more formal - built for the purpose - bird | | | | thoughtful placement to escape their tenacious |
| feeder, off the ground. | | | | ingenuity and incredible athletic ability. |
| Regardless of the time of year, bird food that that | | | | So how do you make the "right" bird feeder choice? |
| spends even a short time on the ground is susceptible | | | | Placement - Pick a location that has easy year-round |
| to contamination from animal droppings, bacteria, | | | | accessibility; consider the "mess factor" around any |
| dampness, mold, and lawn chemicals. But there's no | | | | bird feeder; choose a view that is rewarding for you; |
| written rule that says bird feeders have to be fancy. | | | | and find a place that doesn't aid the squirrels. |
| Once the love of bird watching takes hold, you'll find | | | | Remember... squirrels can jump 4 to 6 feet vertically |
| yourself looking for feeders that bring a wide variety | | | | and 6 to 8 feet horizontally |
| of birds and a smaller population of resident squirrels. | | | | Quality - Design, durability and craftsmanship have |
| Fortunately, or unfortunately once you actually begin | | | | some relationship to price. The better the materials |
| the shopping experience, there's a huge variety of | | | | going in, the better the final product and its lifespan. |
| manufactured bird feeders for you to choose from. | | | | Decide how much you want to spend and go with a |
| Some cater to only small birds, some serve peanuts, | | | | reputable manufacturer known for building durable |
| some hold thistle, some hold suet, and others hold | | | | products for a fair price. |
| enough seed that you only fill them once a week. | | | | Aesthetics - Looks are a matter of personal taste. |
| Feeders also vary dramatically in quality and durability, | | | | Personally, I'm not as concerned about how a feeder |
| as well as bird safety. | | | | looks as how the birds will like it. |
| Selecting the "right" squirrel proof bird feeder comes | | | | Maintenance - Pay attention to what it takes to clean |
| down to a handful of considerations: the type of birds | | | | your feeder. Some are easy and some are designed |
| you want to attract; the intended feeder placement; | | | | as though they will never have to be opened up and |
| the quality you desire; the aesthetics or appearance of | | | | cleaned... but they will. |
| the feeder; the ease of cleaning and caring for it; and, | | | | Squirrel-Proof Design - The only sure way to know if |
| last but not least, the squirrel-proof nature of the | | | | any bird feeder is successful in repelling squirrels is to |
| feeder. | | | | look at the feedback of previous customers. Every |
| All else being equal, if your feeder is constantly raided | | | | manufacturer claims their feeders are squirrel-proof, |
| by squirrels, you'll be robbed of your original intention... to | | | | but few truly are. has the most customer contributions |
| enjoy the peaceful pastime of bird watching. Those | | | | on this topic if you have time to wade through them. |
| cute little rodents will take over your feeders, scare | | | | |