I've been thinking of feeding garden birds for a couple of months now, and have bought feeders, seeds, feeding stations etc. but we have a serious problem with squirrels, even when there aren't feeders there are regularly 2-4 squirrels in the garden, it don't think it helps that we have an oak tree either. I was wondering if anyone had a budget friendly way of protecting the seed from the squirrels as my older brother used to have a feeder out and attracted many birds, including a great spotted woodpecker.
We some trees on one end of the garden (a small oak, an old plum, and a good sized fir tree) plus a bush which runs all the way along one side of the garden. However there is also a trampoline near the trees, and the garden is often in use in the summer, and is open so would that scare the birds away?
Thanks for the help in advance and hope that someone will be able to give me some ideas
Regards
Benji
I have seen photos on this forum of people using a dome (like this one). That seems to work, although I haven't tried it.
There are also guardian cages of various sizes and prices for feeders (like these - obviously there are other suppliers). They are good for feeding small birds and some (but not all) will keep out squirrels too but I don't know whether a GSW can get into these cages.
We have a similar problem here, and use the lampshade dome mentioned in the first reply.
With a big BUT!
The feeding station needs to be at least 2mtrs away from fences, hedges, trees or any other squirrel access point, or you will still loose the battle. I had one that leapt almost 3 mtrs to get to the feeding station!
See the short videos on the two links below...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peak-rambler/51669794212/in/album-72157720097617293/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peak-rambler/51670833138/in/album-72157720097617293/
That gap the squirrel leaped was 2.8 mtrs. However, after that day, we have only had two squirrels, not three, so my guess that leap must have hurt.....
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Nutbrownhare said:Loving those videos - thanks for sharing!
You're welcome.
I bet hearing that thud from the squirrel as it landed belly on the feeding station, seeing those protruding metal parts sent a shiver down your spine, the accuracy and force was incredible.
I would remove that trampoline from the trees, because I wouldn't put it past the squirrels to bounce a few metres on that. they are unstoppable