Photos of Bear Raiding Bird Feeder

We do our best to make our Squirrel Proof Vista Feeder, Absolutely Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder and Squirrel Buster Feeder let birds in and keep everything else out, but there are limits. I admit it: We don’t sell bear-proof wild bird feeders (though they do exist). Then again, if you’re still more worried about squirrels stealing your wild bird seed you can do a couple of things to make it harder for them to break in to your feeder.

Squirrels are very agile animals. They can jump 7 to 10 feet horizontally or 5 feet vertically, and are comfortable dropping up to 10 feet, too. Keep your feeder away from tree branches, rooftops and other surfaces where a squirrel can get secure footing and "launch." If you have a choice, the best option is to force them to drop horizontally if they want to try to get into a feeder. Many bird feeders are hard for a squirrel to safely land on because they have sloped roofs or in the case of tube feeders, have a small horizontal landing area. A hanging feeder also sways under heavier animals, making it more of a challenge. Squirrels that slip and fall won’t get your wild bird seed and it doesn’t really hurt them either. Keeping your feeder 7 feet or more away from squirrel launch points to make them drop down will help quite a bit.

Squirrels have stronger jaws than you think. If you hang a feeder with regular cord, there’s a good chance squirrels will chew right through it. This gives them an opportunity to knock the feeder to the ground, where they can pry it open at their leisure. Try metal cable, a wire handle, or a metal post. If you must use weaker material, consider slick synthetic fibers that are harder for a squirrel to climb. They can’t use their full strength unless they’ve got sure footing.

Using these steps along with a feeder that has squirrel proofing features can really help save your seed for the wild birds you want to see. They can’t do much about bears, though . . .

General: American Goldfinches are a migratory bird species that range from parts of Canada to North Carolina in the summer, to as far south as Mexico in the winter. Goldfinches are famous for the male’s vibrant yellow color in the summertime. At other times, males are a dull olive color, but after their spring molt, they turn as bright as a lemon. This strikes a beautiful contrast with their black and white wings and the black feathers right above their beaks.

Diet: Goldfinches are seed eaters. They also eat sap, berries and tree buds. Goldfinches naturally feed from branches, and enjoy artificial feeders that give their feet a good grip. They will flock to wild bird feeders that have their preferred seeds. Goldfinches particularly enjoy the Nyjer seed (also called thistle seed) you can find in our Gold Nyjer Thistle Seed, Ultimate Variety and Dutch’s Deluxe. Use a feeder that lets the goldfinch perch and hang. Our Thistle Tube Feeder is an ideal choice.

Environment: Goldfinches prefer open and lightly wooded areas such as meadows, roadside green space and orchards. A typical American lawn resembles their favourite environment, and in fact, goldfinches have thrived in the face of urban development.

Behavior: Goldfinches are a socially gregarious, tolerant species. They’ll gather in large flocks around a prime feeding area without too much trouble. Goldfinches flock with other finch species. During breeding season, goldfinches form colonies to breed and nest. However, while they’ll nest near each other, each mating pair will not tolerate any finch who dares to visit the nest.

Goldfinches are wary of predatory bird species. They specialize in fleeing, not fighting, so flocks use alarm calls to war of approaching threats. They even have a special call that tells the flock to quiet down when it’s time to hide from a predator. Goldfinches also sing to call their mates during breeding seasons.