I'm Obsessed With My Bird Feeder

I enjoy feeding the birds, but I have a real problem with squirrels getting all the seed. They can clean out a bird feeder in a hurry. I'm looking at squirrel proof feeders, but they're expensive, so I'm not sure what to do.

Sadly if I had a bird feeder in my garden the birds wouldn't be obsessed with it, but my cats. Since having my cats I do miss seeing the birds so much in the garden and I dare not feed them as the cats may try and get them.

We only feed the birds in winter, I find it really odd that many Americans feed all year round whereas in England I grew up expecting them to feed themselves in good weather and we help them out when it gets cold and food is sparse. In winter we have many and varied birds here in Ohio (much more colourful that in the UK) the Cardinals are the most impressive and the Blue Jays the bullies of the table. Our feeders sit on the deck so we can watch from the living room for hours of entertainment to be sure. We also feed the squirrels but have failed dismally with hummingbird feeders as they seem to prefer the garden especially the Monardia/Bee Balm.

Hi Odwitt, I have a few hummingbrid feeders, but mostly I like to just spread a hand full on the ground, it seem to more natural for them. Another thing I like to do; and I don't know what part of the country your in and if you can get them or not, but I take a jar of peanutbutter and bridseed and mix it together, then get a pinecone after it has opened and pack it full, they seem to like the peanutbutter to. Just tie a sting on it a hang it from a limb. Have a great day,Hardluck.