Acting upon my neighbor’s squirrel concerns I came up with a solution that keeps them out of the bird feeder and isn’t too unsightly. Hopefully, without a convenient and constant source of food they’ll find new homes and my neighbors will become happy once again.

The solution was to attach a two foot section of stove pipe to the bird feeder’s 4x4 post. I used tie wraps to assure a snug fitting with the ability to remove it easily. The stove pipe is attached ~ 3 1/2 feet from the ground; it doesn't look ungainly and it’s without a hazard when I’m close by.

Here’s a pic’.

 

Let us know how it works!

 

After the above conversation I have noticed that the gold finches are also eating the sunflower seeds. I never noticed it before.

 

So far the stove pipe wrap has been very effective. I've witnessed seven futile attempts to climb the pole. After the second day the squirrels are no longer trying. Kinda' feel bad for them.

Gary

 

You shouldn't have to ask. I've use the exact same setup for as long as I can remember. I'm sure I discussed it here. We've only every had one squirrel beat the system. It was essentially a flying squirrel that leaped out 15' off tree branches. Something must have happened to him as we only saw him for a few months at winter's end before the leaves came out to cramp his style. And he's never been back.

This will give you some idea how effective it is. It really does not matter how high or low it is from the ground. We have three at various heights. The scratch marks are from coons that are able to beat the system.



I toned down the heat duct look by painting it more or less black but randomly.

 

You've got really beautiful squirrels! And I love the black one. Occasionally, I've seen an albino squirrel, too.

 

I sent the email links to my nephew yesterday, the one with the two little girls. He showed the chicks to the older one (she's two) and she loved them!

 

Good day at the feeders.....

1st hummingbird of the year spotted at the feeder I put out a few days ago.....

And then.... a rose-breasted grosbeak, 1st time we have seen one in the backyard. Had a female at the feeder right after I put the camera away....

 

Most of the little critters are baffled and can't climb the pole. There is one younger squirrel that can leap 12' from a nearby tree limb and belly-flop onto the feeders top.

 

The grosbeak's have been at our place for about a week. Got'a love em. I saw 3 males at the feeders this AM.