[quickdraw]

Yes, we have the squirrel proof gadget. It's like a cone you put on the pole halfway inder the feeder . They can't get around it. But they'll try for about a week. You have to put the feeder away from trees, roofs, windows etc.
Because once they can't get past the cone, they'll look for other ways to get to the feeder. Which is usually jumping from something.

[harry chickpea]

When we were camping at one of the state parks a few years back, I noticed the absolute silence in comparison to the various bird songs I remembered from previous years. In subsequent years and various locations, I've noticed an increase in the number of sharp-shinned (redtail) hawks and an immediate reduction in the songbird population once they enter an area. In another forum, someone noted a reduction in the numbers of seagulls, and I have movies of numerous pelicans along the Florida Keys that are no longer around.

Some of this is just natural ebb and flow of populations, but I think that West Nile and other viruses have reduced the population and there is a surplus of predators. I'm not sure that there is a good way to bring back the songbird population levels.

[GypsySoul22]

I'm still waiting for the birds...it's going a week. My husband and son made a feeder from a soda bottle...so far, nothing is going on..
I saw some crows across the street, and a squirrel...nothing at the feeder...I'm waiting!!

[tkln]

Just saw this article...thought of you Gypsy. Hopefully you've seen some birds by now!

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2007/12/24/birders_take_part_in_annual_christmas_bird_count/ (broken link)

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

I'm still waiting for the birds...it's going a week. My husband and son made a feeder from a soda bottle...so far, nothing is going on..
I saw some crows across the street, and a squirrel...nothing at the feeder...I'm waiting!!

What kind of seed are you using? Are you using the really cheap bags with the tiny little round brown seed. Our birds want nothing to do with that. Unfortunately my wife buys the very expensive seed, specially made for songbirds. I tried to cut down on the cost by mixing the cheap seed in with it but they leave it behind. I'd fare to guess that we go through $40 a month on seed for all the birds and peanuts for the bluejays.