Tips on Pole-Mounted Bird Feeders

Some squirrel-proof bird feeders are pole-mounted feeders, such as the Absolute feeder. I’m referring to bird feeders that sit at the top of pole, not ones that hang from them. (If you have a hanging feeder on a pole, see Tips on Hanging Your Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder.)

Pole-mounted bird feeders tend to be more effective (and easier to install) than hanging bird feeders, such you still have to keep a couple of things in mind to make them effective at keeping squirrels out.

1. Many squirrel-proof bird feeders rely on a mechanism activated by the squirrel’s weight to shut off access to the bird seed. A squirrel may be smart enough to figure out that if he hangs from the top of the feeder and never actually puts his weight on the tripping mechamism, he may be well-rewarded. Therefore, make sure the shape and design of the feeder prevents this. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of squirrels will figure this out, but you may have the Einstein in your backyard.

2. Any feeder (not necessarily a squirrel-proof one) can become squirrel-proof by means of a pole baffle. We’ve had great success with an ordinary platform feeder and a cylindrical baffle. You can purchase them pretty inexpensively, but you can also make your own out of a stove pipe or flower pot.