I got to figure out within a few days whether this kept the squirrels at bay and happy to say no squirrels successful in getting the seed. On several occasions they were able to climb up the pole to the bottom of the feeder but since there is another foot they were unable to reach and after a second on the pole you could see their feet slipping on the pole and they would immediately jump off. They like to get the seeds that fall off the ground and that's fine by me as long as the birds can eat in peace!