1:42 _"There's nothing like the satisfaction that comes with outsmarting the squirrel."_ That's a really high bar you've set for yourself right there. 🤤
I've been in the avian field now for the better part of 30+yrs. Having hands on experience working with everything from Warblers to Birds of Prey. And it never ceases to amaze me how clever squirrels can be at raiding our feeders. This set up in the video is pretty good. However, keeping the baffle raised up high enough so they can't jump over it is key. And i would have also added another baffle of the same design. So if they manage to jump over the first one they are already on the pole making it difficult for them leverage wise to get beyond the second one. Just make sure they are spaced properly apart. I don't recommend flat baffles they don't do anything but provide stability for the squirrel to get up and over it. You want a baffle that has a deep dome shape to it and 18in in circumference or larger. Also, another alternative is to use this baffle along with a cylinder shaped torpedo baffle made out of steel. You place that cylinder one up the pole first and have the dome baffle sitting on top of it. That has worked VERY well for me over the years in keeping these pesky critters off my feeders.
This is why I instantly made friends with my local mockingbirds. Now, they know if they chase squirrels off, they’ll have a pile of extra mealworms waiting for them.
Great video. Lots of chuckles. I just put up two 7 foot poles with the Audubon 18 inch wrap around squirrel baffle today. Anxious to see if they actually work. So far so good. I've seen a few failed squirrel attempts today. Once they climb up the pole then try to grab onto the dome, they immediately fall down. They haven't figured it out yet, so that's good. I also sprayed some Rain-X and WD-40 onto the domes and rubbed it in good. Extra slippery surface now. Earlier today a squirrel defeated the baffle. I had one of the poles too close to my garden fence and he jumped from the fence onto the bird feeder. So you're right. They sure can jump far if they want something. So I moved the feeder pole more towards the middle of the garden and now the squirrels have nothing to jump from. Fingers crossed going forward. Thanks for the video!
I had an idea and it worked. I spray the pole with Olive Oil or Canola Oil spray used for lining your frying pans. Canola Oil spray is better price and cheaper than Olive Oil works great, but beware generic vegetable oil of mostly chemicals and doesn’t work. The squirrel gets about 3 feet up the pole- then slowly slides down with the most puzzled expression. Future attempts are rare, but they fail as well. Squirrel is majorly peeved off! This is only a temporary solution until we can purchase a Squirrel Baffler device as our small town does not carry them. The ‘Tube type’ device is sold, but it had mixed reviews. Thx for your video. I’m in Brockville, Ontario- Canada between Kingston and Ottawa.
Squirrels love peanuts and peanut butter. I began trapping squirrels at the base of my feeders 4 years ago thinking that if I disposed of a handful they would all be gone. 280 squirrels later they continue to come! I think one of my neighbors is busing them in from somewhere else but I can't prove it. I also caught 42 mice and 5 rats after the nearby sewer was opened for repairs last month. Never saw or caught a rat before that.
I tried to explain that to my neighbour - he kept trapping them and taking them for a long drive over the river to open fields, new ones just took their place.
@@lightgiver7311 Yes and it is also illegal to trap and release wildlife to a different area in most states. They usually don't enforce this law with grey squirrels and possums as rigidly because those animals are not known to contract rabies (for different reasons), but I do have a friend who was fined $100 by wildlife control for letting a captured grey squirrel go into a nature area here in PA. I guess the wildlife officer was annoyed that he was stupid enough to do that while he was watching him (?) Now he just brings them to me, and I dispose of them. The bottom line is: state officials know that naive humans can easily move diseased animals without knowing it and that causes the infected area of a contagious illness to become larger. WRZ
@@snap-off5383 You must live in rural Texas or some place like that, to draw that conclusion. I have been feeding birds for well over 10 years and have NEVER ever seen a snake at my feeders. Bill Z Suburban Philadelphia
@@ccdogpark could be urban insulation, of course the snakes hunt at night, you'll see them during the day where they hide out from the sun. I grew up in wyoming, where we have winters, and still had snakes where feed was stored, we employed a platoon of cats to keep the rodents down. Now I live in AZ, and wouldn't even consider putting up a seed source, I'll let my neighbors deal with the snakes. Our neighbor across the street feeds the rabbits. (insert facepalm), and about 3 years after moving here we found out their dog got bit by a rattlesnake in their yard. . . Put up a bird-bath if you want to see birds, but let nature decide who eats.
Our garden was like that before we planted trees, flowers and shrubs. Then they fed everything with insects, seeds and berries. Then I added a bird feeder too.
I just used three 1 liter soda bottles. Remove the labels, drill a hole in both ends to slip over your pole, then position them about half way up the pole. The bottles are too big around and too smooth for the squirrels to climb.
Don't ever under estimate what squirrels can do. When it comes to food, they can stretch, jump, and leap to get it. May take several tries, but eventually the squirrels will get to the food.
I know this is an old video but there's another solution to that baffle sliding now it's to put rubber in between the shepherd's hook and the part that screws to the shepherd's hook that the baffle rests on. Nice soft rubber.
Hanging bird feeders from trees is convenient but squirrels make this impractical. Bird Feeders need to be placed far enough away from homes and trees that squirrels can not jump onto them. Then drive a short section of thin, straight, pipe into the ground, long enough that it will reliably support a wider pole around it. Then get a 2" diameter section of PVC pipe approx 4 -5 ' long from Home Depot and place it over/around the thin diameter wrought iron post you are currently using. Squirrels can not climb wide diameter poles. I also have a baffle that sits atop the 2" diameter length and another narrower diameter section above the baffle and supported by it. I have multiple feeders supported by each pole. This also makes it easy to take down your feeders if you ever need to. Or just put a section of 2" diameter PVC around the bottom of your existing wrought iron pole.
Great video share, I have the same set-up. After wasting money on many squirrel proof bird feeders which never proved to be squirrel proof, I found the baffle is the only thing to really work. :-)
***** Thanks. It really does work, I'm surprised when I hear people say theirs fails, probably too close to something. On the other hand I'm pretty sure these squirrels are not exactly super motivated.....
Thanks for the tip. Was wondering how in the world did my backyard squirrel find its way into the bird feeder this morning. Moved my baffled up. Hopefully that will prevent future squirrels. I think the corn motivated him/her today, thus the baffle lost. Also nice blue Jays. Wish I could attract some to my yard. I've had no success.
Leah Kallas The squirrels are always probing for weaknesses! We have a lot of Blue Jays in Florida they pretty much run the Backyard, but in visits up north have noticed some areas have very few.
We should get some blueJays in Wisconsin. Typically we are a great area for bird watching. My backyard has a plethora of birds to see.... but no Bluejays yet. I haven't given up though... keeping out the peanuts for them in hope someday they will find haven in my garden.
Leah Kallas I'm not sure how much Blue Jays really migrate - they seem to hang around in our area in a family group of probably more than a dozen. But up in western North Carolina for awhile and I haven't seen one in weeks! BB
@@leamkcoupon Connecticut here. Be very careful whst you wish for. Those blue jays you want so much to invite are like a gang of shoplifters armed with duffle bag sized pocketbooks.. You put out food, particularly peanuts or sunflower, and expect it to last for hours. The jay finds out, sends out the call for all his/her friends and family, and they all show up and gorge. You can actually see their throats expand like chipmunk cheeks as they pack in all the goodies they can jam in there. Off they go to unload and then right back for the next load. Until all the good stuff is gone. They are beautiful and blue is my favorite color, but with blue jays it doesn't take very many to have too much of a good thing.
@@bluepuppy1139 Maine here! You said it perfectly. I used to love blue jays until I had a dozen or more in my yard chasing away the other birds and snatching everything up. They're absolute gluttons, I've seen them do exactly what you've described! Now I clap them out of my yard when I see one fly in...they've gotten wise and don't do their calls very often anymore since they know it tips me off---they also seem to know they're no longer welcome. When one flies in I'll see ten more fly up into the pines, just waiting. Jerks.
The only issue we've had is the little buggers climbing the pole and chewing on the collar. Put a little Vaseline on the pole right below the collar. It won't affect the birds
I have one of these on my bird feeder and I have never had one squirrel that has gotten by it. Youn leave the collar loose on the pole and fasten the inside nut tight. When a squirrel jumps up on it, the collar turns down and they slide off.
i enjoyed your video. I've been defeated by squirrels too, they can really tease your ego when they beat you at the birdfeeder game, don't they ? and they seem to know that you opposed them and revenge by going on a destructively rampage once they reach the birdfeeder. I've witnessed squirrels doing insane jumps. Like jumping from a 25 feet high tree branch to land on a bird feeder pole with a loud bang. They will risk their lives or breaking a limb their greed is limitless. Worse, if they have access to a birdfeeder, they will maim each other to reserve access. It may not happen for month but eventually you will see it. Also their activity attracts larger predators and I've seen cats catching younger squirrels at birdfeeders. The cats hone their skills after multiple attempts over weeks. The metal inverted baffle + pole is the only way to stop squirrels. I have learned that from experience too. Do not buy any "squirrel safe" birdfeeder, they are dangerous for birds that can become stuck in them. I appreciated that moment in your video when the squirrel is beaten but refuse to admit it and still think it can outsmart you but can't. But beware ! i swear they take note of the problem go back to their nest and study then come back with a solution.
It's not that simple. You are interfering with wildlife. In the long term it is much much better if you grow native bushes and plants that are beneficial to birds than put a birdfeeder on a backyard patch of grass.
Ha ha 😂. When I found out that squirrels are evil nest robbers, of eggs and and baby birds, on top of the horrible messes they already make of feeders, I love watching them be defeated
Food for the squirrels? No way will I ever feed one on purpose! Squirrels cost home owners $$$$ of damage each year. I know because my neighbor and I have been the victim of this several times the last few years. Instead, catch them with a good old fashioned varmint trap and then extricate them from your property. That is the only way. My neighbor and I find it exceedingly easy to trap them with just a few shelled pecan halves placed in the trap. Squirrels may be smart but for some reason they just can't resist a nice fresh pecan even if they have to go into a trap to get it.
I have one of those hanging in a tree and they work pretty good. I just use a large selection of feeders and over the years the pole feeders have worked out fine.
1:42
_"There's nothing like the satisfaction that comes with outsmarting the squirrel."_
That's a really high bar you've set for yourself right there. 🤤
Here in UK, I've used an old plastic bucket upturned on the pole beneath my feeder. Works well and was cheap!
I've been in the avian field now for the better part of 30+yrs. Having hands on experience working with everything from Warblers to Birds of Prey. And it never ceases to amaze me how clever squirrels can be at raiding our feeders. This set up in the video is pretty good. However, keeping the baffle raised up high enough so they can't jump over it is key. And i would have also added another baffle of the same design. So if they manage to jump over the first one they are already on the pole making it difficult for them leverage wise to get beyond the second one. Just make sure they are spaced properly apart. I don't recommend flat baffles they don't do anything but provide stability for the squirrel to get up and over it. You want a baffle that has a deep dome shape to it and 18in in circumference or larger. Also, another alternative is to use this baffle along with a cylinder shaped torpedo baffle made out of steel. You place that cylinder one up the pole first and have the dome baffle sitting on top of it. That has worked VERY well for me over the years in keeping these pesky critters off my feeders.
Love the sense of humor in which you did this, lol!
Thank you! With squirrels you have to have a sense of humor. BB
I have had one for two weeks. Works GREAT !!
Glad to hear it's working out for you! BB
Thanks for the review. Made my decisions to purchase. And love your commentary - "squirrels dominate the feeder and show their dark side." lol
This is why I instantly made friends with my local mockingbirds. Now, they know if they chase squirrels off, they’ll have a pile of extra mealworms waiting for them.
Thats badass. I wish my local mocking birds had the guts to do that.
@@Talonflamezall mockingbirds are aggressive
Great video. Lots of chuckles. I just put up two 7 foot poles with the Audubon 18 inch wrap around squirrel baffle today. Anxious to see if they actually work. So far so good. I've seen a few failed squirrel attempts today. Once they climb up the pole then try to grab onto the dome, they immediately fall down. They haven't figured it out yet, so that's good. I also sprayed some Rain-X and WD-40 onto the domes and rubbed it in good. Extra slippery surface now.
Earlier today a squirrel defeated the baffle. I had one of the poles too close to my garden fence and he jumped from the fence onto the bird feeder. So you're right. They sure can jump far if they want something. So I moved the feeder pole more towards the middle of the garden and now the squirrels have nothing to jump from. Fingers crossed going forward.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks - sounds like you may have them foiled, but they'll be watching and waiting....
Death defying jumps😂 . Have seen squirrels take that leap of faith before.
I had an idea and it worked. I spray the pole with Olive Oil or Canola Oil spray used for lining your frying pans. Canola Oil spray is better price and cheaper than Olive Oil works great, but beware generic vegetable oil of mostly chemicals and doesn’t work. The squirrel gets about 3 feet up the pole- then slowly slides down with the most puzzled expression. Future attempts are rare, but they fail as well. Squirrel is majorly peeved off! This is only a temporary solution until we can purchase a Squirrel Baffler device as our small town does not carry them. The ‘Tube type’ device is sold, but it had mixed reviews. Thx for your video. I’m in Brockville, Ontario- Canada between Kingston and Ottawa.
This reminds me of Jurassic Park when the raptors are testing the fences for weakness but fluffier.
Great stuff the squirrels and birds together, thanks for the upload, Paul
Really wonderful captures! The Squirrels are adorable! A very interesting and beautiful video my dear friend♥
***** Thank you Annemieke!
Squirrels love peanuts and peanut butter.
I began trapping squirrels at the base of my feeders 4 years ago
thinking that if I disposed of a handful they would all be gone.
280 squirrels later they continue to come! I think one of my neighbors
is busing them in from somewhere else but I can't prove it.
I also caught 42 mice and 5 rats after the nearby sewer was opened for
repairs last month. Never saw or caught a rat before that.
I tried to explain that to my neighbour - he kept trapping them and taking them for a long drive over the river to open fields, new ones just took their place.
@@lightgiver7311
Yes and it is also illegal to trap and release wildlife to a different area in most states.
They usually don't enforce this law with grey squirrels and possums as rigidly
because those animals are not known to contract rabies (for different reasons),
but I do have a friend who was fined $100 by wildlife control for letting a captured
grey squirrel go into a nature area here in PA. I guess the wildlife officer was
annoyed that he was stupid enough to do that while he was watching him (?)
Now he just brings them to me, and I dispose of them.
The bottom line is: state officials know that naive humans can easily move diseased
animals without knowing it and that causes the infected area of a contagious illness
to become larger.
WRZ
Where you leave out seeds, you have rodents. Where you have rodents, you attract snakes.
@@snap-off5383
You must live in rural Texas or some place like that, to draw that conclusion.
I have been feeding birds for well over 10 years and have NEVER ever
seen a snake at my feeders.
Bill Z
Suburban Philadelphia
@@ccdogpark could be urban insulation, of course the snakes hunt at night, you'll see them during the day where they hide out from the sun. I grew up in wyoming, where we have winters, and still had snakes where feed was stored, we employed a platoon of cats to keep the rodents down. Now I live in AZ, and wouldn't even consider putting up a seed source, I'll let my neighbors deal with the snakes. Our neighbor across the street feeds the rabbits. (insert facepalm), and about 3 years after moving here we found out their dog got bit by a rattlesnake in their yard. . .
Put up a bird-bath if you want to see birds, but let nature decide who eats.
Love narration!
Thanks!
I giggled with your sound effects. Thanks for the video
+Mr. knowitall I'm glad somebody got that! Thanks....
well, one thing i've learned from watching this is that squirrels ALWAYS get their meal!
Our garden was like that before we planted trees, flowers and shrubs. Then they fed everything with insects, seeds and berries. Then I added a bird feeder too.
I just used three 1 liter soda bottles. Remove the labels, drill a hole in both ends to slip over your pole, then position them about half way up the pole. The bottles are too big around and too smooth for the squirrels to climb.
Good narration and background music. The "intruder-alert" is hilarious.
Thanks - I was hoping more people would catch that!
Bird target practice. Lol
truly a masterpiece
Love the music!
What is it?
Yes! Love both! Plus some!
Sailors have been putting this identical device on the "rat lines" of ships for 100 years.
Don't ever under estimate what squirrels can do. When it comes to food, they can stretch, jump, and leap to get it. May take several tries, but eventually the squirrels will get to the food.
I was waiting for the squirrel to get baffled. :-)
Rh1no1 Good one! I think perhaps these squirrels are spoiled and not really trying that hard....
I know this is an old video but there's another solution to that baffle sliding now it's to put rubber in between the shepherd's hook and the part that screws to the shepherd's hook that the baffle rests on. Nice soft rubber.
Great video!!!
Thank you!!
Coming up next to WSQR...12 squirrels moving stepladder into place for dinner.
Great job! Thanks
This video had me cracking up, Lol, , where there's a will there's a way.. King of Seven Kingdoms
Awesome capture and interesting experience! Thanks!
***** Thanks glad you liked it. I post a lot of squirrel videos as well as birds!
can you see mice at night picking up the seeds? (and the snakes that stalk them?)
Hanging bird feeders from trees is convenient but squirrels make this impractical.
Bird Feeders need to be placed far enough away from
homes and trees that squirrels can not jump onto them.
Then drive a short section of thin, straight, pipe into the ground,
long enough that it will reliably support a wider pole around it.
Then get a 2" diameter section of PVC pipe approx 4 -5 ' long from
Home Depot and place it over/around the thin diameter wrought iron
post you are currently using. Squirrels can not climb wide diameter poles.
I also have a baffle that sits atop the 2" diameter length and another
narrower diameter section above the baffle and supported by it.
I have multiple feeders supported by each pole.
This also makes it easy to take down your feeders if you ever need to.
Or just put a section of 2" diameter PVC around the bottom of your existing
wrought iron pole.
Will this stop raccoon and opossums?
Yes it should deter them as well.
Great video share, I have the same set-up. After wasting money on many squirrel proof bird feeders which never proved to be squirrel proof, I found the baffle is the only thing to really work. :-)
***** Thanks. It really does work, I'm surprised when I hear people say theirs fails, probably too close to something. On the other hand I'm pretty sure these squirrels are not exactly super motivated.....
lol They are skilled at getting what they want but I guess it depends how hungry they are, or whether its easier to find food elsewhere. ;-)
👍🏼
Some squirrels see it sporty and accept the challenge ;-)
mbhsug These squirrels are a bit spoiled I think - they don't really try too hard anymore :-)
Spray Spam on the baffle and it keeps the bird poop from sticking. If it does stick, it washes off easily.
wrao sine duct tape on the pole just below the holder will prevent it from sliding down.
Paint the baffle white?
Painted hunting you must be in Texas Oklahoma Arkansas or Louisiana
Thanks for the tip. Was wondering how in the world did my backyard squirrel find its way into the bird feeder this morning. Moved my baffled up. Hopefully that will prevent future squirrels. I think the corn motivated him/her today, thus the baffle lost. Also nice blue Jays. Wish I could attract some to my yard. I've had no success.
Leah Kallas The squirrels are always probing for weaknesses! We have a lot of Blue Jays in Florida they pretty much run the Backyard, but in visits up north have noticed some areas have very few.
We should get some blueJays in Wisconsin. Typically we are a great area for bird watching. My backyard has a plethora of birds to see.... but no Bluejays yet. I haven't given up though... keeping out the peanuts for them in hope someday they will find haven in my garden.
Leah Kallas I'm not sure how much Blue Jays really migrate - they seem to hang around in our area in a family group of probably more than a dozen. But up in western North Carolina for awhile and I haven't seen one in weeks!
BB
@@leamkcoupon Connecticut here. Be very careful whst you wish for. Those blue jays you want so much to invite are like a gang of shoplifters armed with duffle bag sized pocketbooks.. You put out food, particularly peanuts or sunflower, and expect it to last for hours. The jay finds out, sends out the call for all his/her friends and family, and they all show up and gorge. You can actually see their throats expand like chipmunk cheeks as they pack in all the goodies they can jam in there. Off they go to unload and then right back for the next load. Until all the good stuff is gone.
They are beautiful and blue is my favorite color, but with blue jays it doesn't take very many to have too much of a good thing.
@@bluepuppy1139 Maine here! You said it perfectly. I used to love blue jays until I had a dozen or more in my yard chasing away the other birds and snatching everything up. They're absolute gluttons, I've seen them do exactly what you've described! Now I clap them out of my yard when I see one fly in...they've gotten wise and don't do their calls very often anymore since they know it tips me off---they also seem to know they're no longer welcome. When one flies in I'll see ten more fly up into the pines, just waiting. Jerks.
Thanks. Going to make a home made baffle. I ll set it up so it will swivel at off angles.
And how did it work? 2022 now.
The only issue we've had is the little buggers climbing the pole and chewing on the collar. Put a little Vaseline on the pole right below the collar. It won't affect the birds
Please can the canned music.
Are the squirrel baffle suppose to sit loose like that? I just installed one and it too is loose, I wonder what happens on windy days?
Having it loose makes it harder for the squirrels to hang on to.
I have one of these on my bird feeder and I have never had one squirrel that has gotten by it. Youn leave the collar loose on the pole and fasten the inside nut tight. When a squirrel jumps up on it, the collar turns down and they slide off.
i enjoyed your video. I've been defeated by squirrels too, they can really tease your ego when they beat you at the birdfeeder game, don't they ? and they seem to know that you opposed them and revenge by going on a destructively rampage once they reach the birdfeeder. I've witnessed squirrels doing insane jumps. Like jumping from a 25 feet high tree branch to land on a bird feeder pole with a loud bang. They will risk their lives or breaking a limb their greed is limitless. Worse, if they have access to a birdfeeder, they will maim each other to reserve access. It may not happen for month but eventually you will see it. Also their activity attracts larger predators and I've seen cats catching younger squirrels at birdfeeders. The cats hone their skills after multiple attempts over weeks. The metal inverted baffle + pole is the only way to stop squirrels. I have learned that from experience too. Do not buy any "squirrel safe" birdfeeder, they are dangerous for birds that can become stuck in them. I appreciated that moment in your video when the squirrel is beaten but refuse to admit it and still think it can outsmart you but can't. But beware ! i swear they take note of the problem go back to their nest and study then come back with a solution.
They are smart and they learn. I feed the squirrels and the birds so I can enjoy them all!
It's not that simple. You are interfering with wildlife. In the long term it is much much better if you grow native bushes and plants that are beneficial to birds than put a birdfeeder on a backyard patch of grass.
Goognam goog.they must be uni squirrels.knowledge is power.u should see them dance n sing.🤣🤣🐿🎶
美國松鼠可愛又聰明堅強耐心、細心、
I seen one where the baffle wouldn't support the squirrels weight. They could jump up on it but it would promptly dump them onto the ground.
Have you ever greased the pole under the baffle? Might add a few shots of WD40 to the pole.
You need a baffle as wide as an umbrella.
Also place the feeder away from Squirrels' jumping spots.
y delete the part how he got there?
He sounds like Hank Hill. 😂
I guess he has moved on from propane and propane accessories?
Lol smart little rascal.
Sadly...Can't get to video since there are so many commercials
Why move your feeder pole around when you can simply just hose down the baffle and underneath every couple of weeks.
Squirrels showing their dark side 😜
Ha ha 😂. When I found out that squirrels are evil nest robbers, of eggs and and baby birds, on top of the horrible messes they already make of feeders, I love watching them be defeated
Backyard birding.... Lol. I swear how do I end up here???
Apply coating of 10W30 oil on the stand. Prepare to be entertained as squirrels keep trying to climb the stand but cannot.
lmao their darkside
Now why is it that everytime there's a squirrel, there's also a bluejay that shows up?
They are both addicted to peanuts!
Food for the squirrels? No way will I ever feed one on purpose! Squirrels cost home owners $$$$ of damage each year. I know because my neighbor and I have been the victim of this several times the last few years. Instead, catch them with a good old fashioned varmint trap and then extricate them from your property. That is the only way. My neighbor and I find it exceedingly easy to trap them with just a few shelled pecan halves placed in the trap. Squirrels may be smart but for some reason they just can't resist a nice fresh pecan even if they have to go into a trap to get it.
hey one time I put a five gallon bucket baffle the sqerrals ate threw it
A Parody of the 1% vs the 99%! Same thing!
Got alot of moisture in the feeder.
My feeder feeds the squirrels from seed the birds toss out of the feeder.
Your alarm sounds like a dot matrix printer
Dang tree rats !
Grey squirrels.... B*st*rd things
Squirrel baffle = 22 long rifle.
12 Gauge works better
They remind me of rats. With fluff tails.
Squirrels for life baby..!!!!!!!!
Esteem Kam Squirrels rule!
Yeah, yeah, yeeeaaahhh..!!!!
pellet gun fun ......
Even with the baffle it looks like the squirrel ' s are still scaring the birds away.
Poor little squirrel.
There are far better ways. Get a bird feeder that closes when too much weight is on it, then you won't get that bird poop mess you got going on there.
I have one of those hanging in a tree and they work pretty good. I just use a large selection of feeders and over the years the pole feeders have worked out fine.
The feeders that close when a squirrel gets on do not work
This is discrimination