Abstract:
A modular bird feeder system which is particularly adapted for an individual to assemble and maintain. The system includes at least one bird feeder and means to catch bird seed located below the bird feeders. The bird feeders are mounted onto a central pole. An animal deterrent device is positioned below the bird feeders to prevent squirrels and the like from reaching the bird feeders. The animal deterrent device is also mounted onto the central pole. A ballast member is positioned below the ground and the central pole is mounted through the center of the ballast member. A stake can be secured to the lower end of the central pole and assists in securing the bird feeder system to the ground.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system for providing bird feeders and perches. In particular the invention is a modular system adapted to employ a plurality of bird feeders and perches in different arrangements. The system can be readily disassembled for cleaning and adjustment of the components. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Bird watching and feeding has been a popular hobby for quite a while. Many individuals find that bird watching is very pleasant and relaxing. Bird watching can also be very educational for an individual or for a young person. Many people try to spot as many different birds as possible. Parents and caregivers also use bird watching as a way to teach young children about nature and how different animals are similar to and different from humans. There are many varied bird watching organizations and publications. These organizations and publications provide an individual with information regarding the feeding habits of many different birds. They also offer many different bird feeders depending on the variety of bird. Bird feeders are also readily available in pet and hardware stores. These bird feeders are normally designed for a single species of bird and must be hung from a pole or tree branch or mounted on some form of support. The mounting can be a simple wire or rope to hang the bird feeder or it can be a complicated bracket assembly to secure the feeder to a particular support. 
         [0003]    Bird feeders pose a problem of attracting other unwanted animals such as squirrels. There currently exist many different squirrel and animal deterrent devices. Some of these devices are relatively simple while others are relatively complicated. However, very few of these devices are effective in keeping the squirrels and other animals from reaching the bird seed. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,142 issued to Holscher et al., discloses a modular pole system for birding which includes different modules to allow a birder to custom design their birding pole to include a variety of birding accessories such as bird feeders, bird houses, artificial and natural perches and bird baths. The modular pole system includes an auger or stake to secure the pole to the ground; a stabilizer including a plurality of arms which distribute the force from the wind over a wider area; a squirrel deterrent; a dish which can hold bird seed; a branch; and a plurality of poles. Other items can be secured to the pole as further illustrated in the patent. However, none of the bird seed trays include weep holes to permit water to drain away from the tray and there is no suggestion of mounting a plurality of bird feeders vertically above each other. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,467 issued to Lancia, discloses a bird feeding station which is formed principally from commercially available PVC plumbing fittings and pipe. The station may be supported from a patio block or the like because of the overall light weight of the station. The system is modular, being able to accommodate a variety of feeder arrangements as well as seed dispensing arrangements. This modular construction also provides for configurations which are bird species specific due to a specific configuration. The stations are easily cleaned by the user inasmuch as they inherently incorporate somewhat straight-through passageways providing the functions of seed reservoir and seed dispensing. While a plurality of individual bird feeders can be supported from a single pole there is no teaching that the feeders can be vertically stacked above each other. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,101 issued to Kilham, discloses a bird feeder including a vertically disposed hollow housing having a peripheral side wall, a removable top cover and a bottom wall and at least one aperture in the side wall, a combination baffle, seed tray and perch device adapted for mounting on the outside of the side wall and including a collar adapted for slidable engagement with the side wall. The relationship of the device vis-a-vis the housing can be fixed in such a manner that the collar may at least partially obstruct the aperture so as to regulate the flow of seed therethrough. The device is preferably formed as an integral unit and includes a tray portion radially outwardly extending from the collar and terminating in an upstanding rim further provided with a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced perches. A plurality of trays can be stacked vertically above each other. The tray  26  is provided with a plurality of drain openings or weep holes. These are used to remove rain water from the tray. 
         [0007]    U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2003/0019435 filed by George, discloses a bird feeder which includes a vessel for holding seeds. A removable access tunnel external to the vessel is coupled thereto at a seed opening in the vessel. The access tunnel, as well as a bar across a bottom portion of the access tunnel opening restricts access to seeds by other than birds. A removable seed cover for the opening held on by the access tunnel is made of a flexible material and includes a seed opening sized and shaped to restrict a number of seeds extractable on an attempt to remove the seeds. 
         [0008]    U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0163506 filed by Bloedom, discloses a bird feeder including a pivotal wire bail to allow the top cap to be lifted and rotated away from the top opening for easy filling of bird food without unnecessary spillage. The bird feeder additionally includes a detachable base cap having a spring clip retention feature that holds the base cap in place when in use but provides for its intentional removal when desired for cleaning purposes. The feeder has an optional detachable tray where birds can rest while feeding. The feeder also provides multiple embodiments, having a body constructed of metal or plastic alternatives. The metal bodies, preferably tubular in shape, are each formed of perforated or expanded metal, having holes therethrough, the size of the holes being dependent upon the size of the seed or other feed selected. The plastic tube feeder provides feeder ports for seed access, as well as rotatable perches for the birds to rest on while feeding. 
         [0009]    Thus what is lacking in the art is a modular bird feeder which can be readily assembled into a plurality of different configurations and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    A modular bird feeder system which is particularly adapted for an individual to assemble and maintain. The system includes at least one bird feeder and means to catch bird seed located below the bird feeders. The bird feeders are mounted onto a central pole. An animal deterrent device is positioned below the bird feeders to prevent squirrels and the like from reaching the bird feeders. The animal deterrent device is also mounted onto the central pole. A ballast member is positioned below the ground and the central pole is mounted through the center of the ballast member. A stake can be secured to the lower end of the central pole and assists in securing the bird feeder system to the ground. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a modular bird feeder system which is can be readily disassembled for cleaning and readily reassembled for use. 
         [0012]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a bird feeder system which includes bird feeders which can be readily be refilled and easily cleaned. 
         [0013]    It is a still further objective of the instant invention to provide a bird feeder system with an aerodynamic shape and design to avoid undue stress from high wind loads and a pleasant aesthetic appearance. 
         [0014]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a bird feeder system which includes a plurality of alternate bird feeders which enable an individual to offer a variety of bird foods to birds in a quantity that avoids the need for daily replenishment of the food. 
         [0015]    It is a still farther objective of the instant invention to provide a bird feeder system comprising elements which can be readily disassembled for cleaning and readily reassembled for use. 
         [0016]    It is still a further objective of the instant invention to provide a bird feeder system which includes a built in water feature which provides fresh drinking water for birds and other wildlife. 
         [0017]    It is still yet another feature of the instant invention to provide a bird feeder system which includes a water barrier that prevents ants and other insects from ascending the bird feeder and contaminating the bird food. 
         [0018]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the bird feeder system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a first bird feeder; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the alternate embodiment of a first bird feeder taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the bird feeder system; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a connection between a first and a second tubular member; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the connection between two tubular members employing a coupling element; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a reinforcing pole which can be used inside of the bird feeder for support; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a view of the support structure of a second embodiment of the bird feeder system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a view taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a view taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the two containers of a second bird feeder; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a view taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the ring in  FIGS. 4 ,  8  and  14 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a view of the feed tubes of two different bird feeders illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the lid in  FIGS. 4 and 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a birdbath embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the birdbath of  FIG. 16  employed as a feed tray. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0037]    Similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements throughout the specification. Preferably all of the components of the bird feeder system are plastic. However, any other materials could also be used to manufacture the bird feeder system. A bird feeder system  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 . A first embodiment of the bird feeder system is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . The bird feeder system includes a first central pole segment or support member  12 . The first central pole segment preferably includes externally threaded portions  14  on both ends thereof. A second central pole segment  15  is connected to the first central pole segment utilizing a coupling  16 . The second pole segment is provided with a threaded portion at the top end thereof (not shown). The coupling element  16  is threaded to accept the threaded ends of first and second pole segments and secure these elements together. A coupling element can also be provided at the top of the first pole segment. 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment a ballast or stabilization member  18  is partially buried in the ground  19 . The ballast or stabilization member  18  is preferably substantially cylindrical and contains ballast. In one embodiment it can be a five gallon plastic bucket. The ballast may be a solid material, such as sand or dirt, or it may be a liquid, such as water or a mixture of both. In a preferred embodiment the member  18  is hollow and fluid tight. When the bird feeder is initially assembled a hole is dug in the ground  19  and the ballast member  18  is placed therein. Ballast is the added to member  18 . A lid  20  can be secured to the top end of member  18 . The lid  20  preferably includes an upstanding rim  21  which extends around the upper periphery of the lid  20 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  9 . The rim  21  provides a dam or barrier which enables water or other fluids to be retained on top of lid  20 . This pool of water forms a barrier which prevents ants and other insects from crawling up the sides of stabilization member  18 , across lid  21  and up first pole segment  12  to the bird seed feeders. The second central pole segment  15  can be provided with a plurality of apertures  22  along the length thereof. The apertures  22  are used to introduce water or other fluids into member  18 . Water or other fluids are introduced into the top of the second pole segment  15 . The water flows through apertures  22  and into member  18 , thus filling member with water which serves as the ballast. The ballast can be supplied to member  18  prior to or subsequent to the installation of lid  20 . The water or other fluids provide ballast for the lower end of the bird feeder system and helps to stabilize the bird feeder system. In place of water ballast sand, dirt or other solids can be placed within member  18 . The ballast also provides stability to the system when there are high winds due to its aerodynamic design and cylindrical shape. Since the ballast member is preferably made from plastic or a similar material, it will not rot or corrode when set into the ground. A stake  24  can also be secured to a lower end of pole segment  15 . A threaded member  25  is secured to the top of stake  24 . The member  26  can be threaded onto a coupling  16  on the lower end of second pole segment  15  or directly to pole segment  15 . Other means can also be employed to secure stake  24  to pole segment  15 . The stake  24  is designed to be inserted into the ground and provide both support and stability for the bird feeder system. In place of stake  24  other ground securing means can be placed into the ground and the pole segment  15  secured to these ground securing means. 
         [0039]    A first bird feeder  26  is secured to the upper end of first central pole segment  12 . The first bird feeder is preferable provided with threads  27  internally at a lower end. The threads  27  engage the threads  14  of the top portion of the pole segment  12  to secure the members together. In place of the threaded connection a coupling  16  or other securing means can be employed to secure the pole segment  12  and the first bird feeder  26  together. An animal deterrent device or hollow member  28  is placed over the pole segment  12 . The animal deterrent device  28  is includes an open bottom  32  and a closed top  34 . The closed top includes an aperture  36  through which pole segment  12  passes. A ring or washer  30  is secured to the pole segment  12  adjacent the threaded end. When the first bird feeder  26  is secured to the pole segment  12  the top of the animal deterrent device  28  is captured and secured in between the ring  30  and the first bird feeder  26 . The open bottom preferable does not have a lip or any other structure around the perimeter of the rim. This type of construction does not offer a surface for a squirrel of other animal to grab onto and climb onto the bird feeder system. The animal deterrent device is a cylindrical bucket in a preferred embodiment. In place of the bucket  24  any other type or shape of device can be employed. The animal deterrent device only requires an open bottom portion, a closed top portion and sides between the bottom and top portions. 
         [0040]    A first tray  38  is secured above the animal deterrent device  28  and below the first bird feeder  26 . A lower end of the first bird feeder preferably includes a threaded connection  27 . The threaded connection  27  of the first bird feeder is constructed and arranged to engage threaded end  14  of the pole segment and secure the pole segment and first bird feeder together. Since the animal deterrent device  28  and first tray  38  are positioned in between the pole segment and first bird feeder, these elements are secured together by the connection of the pole segment to the first bird feeder. First tray  38  is preferably provided with a plurality of weep holes  40 . The weep holes  40  allow water which accumulates in the tray to drain therefrom without allowing bird seeds to pass therethrough. The water accumulates in the tray as a result of rain, dew or someone watering the lawn. While a tray with weep holes is disclosed, a tray without weep holes can also be employed. 
         [0041]    The first bird feeder  26  includes a plurality of feeding tubes or apertures  42  around a bottom portion of the feeder. The apertures  42  are designed and sized to allow birds to remove bird seeds or feed from the bird feeder without the remaining seeds or feed falling out of the feeder due to gravity. The apertures  42  can also be in the form of a trough to provide easier access for the birds to the seed or feed. The birds or other wildlife will perch on the tray  38  or top  34  of the ballast member and consume the bird feed or seed from the first bird feeder. An upper portion of the first bird feeder  26  is preferably provided with threads  44 . The first bird feeder can be formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material so that the level of bird seed or feed in the feeder can be observed. 
         [0042]    A second bird feeder  46  is secured to the top portion of the first bird feeder. The lower end of the second bird feeder  46  is provided with internal threads  48  or a coupler  16 . The threads  48  engage the threads  44  of the first bird feeder to secure the first and second bird feeders together. The second bird feeder  46  further includes a plurality of apertures  50  along a lower portion of the bird feeder. The apertures  50  are designed to allow birds to remove bird seeds or feed from the bird feeder without the remaining seeds or feed falling out of the feeder due to gravity. A plurality of perches  52  can be secured to the second bird feeder adjacent the apertures  50 . The perches  52  allow birds to rest thereon while consuming seed or feed from the second bird feeder. A removable top  54  encloses the upper end of the second bird feeder. This top is designed to keep rain, snow and other weather elements away from the bird seed in the bird feeders. When the bird seed or feed needs to be replaced in the second bird feeder the top  54  is removed, the seed or feed is poured into the feeder and the top is then replaced. The second bird feeder can be formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material so that the level of bird seed or feed in the feeder can be observed. 
         [0043]    A second tray  56  is positioned in between the first and second bird feeders. The threaded connections  44  and  48  of the first and second bird feeders respectively help to secure the second tray  56  in its position. The coupling element  16  can also be employed to connect the first and second bird feeders together. The second tray  56  is also preferably provided with weep holes  58 . The weep holes  58  allow water which accumulates in the tray to drain therefrom without allowing bird seeds to pass therethrough. The water accumulates in the tray as a result of rain, dew or someone watering the lawn. Tray  56  is designed to keep rain, snow and other weather elements away from the bird seed in the bird feeders. While weep holes in the tray are discloses a tray without weep holes can also be employed. 
         [0044]    A second embodiment of the first bird feeder  26  is illustrated as  60  in  FIG. 2 . The second embodiment  60  of the first bird feeder includes a substantially cylindrical main body  62 . The main body  62  is preferably the same diameter throughout its height. A connection member  64  is secured to a lower portion of the bird feeder  60 . The connection member is preferably provided with threads to engage the threads  14  on the top end of pole segment  12 . This engagement secures bird feeder  60  and pole segment  12  together. In addition to threads other securing means can be employed to secure the bird feeder to the pole segment. A tray  66  is preferably integrally formed on a top end of bird feeder  60 . The tray  66  can also be formed as a separate member. The tray  66  is preferably provided with weep holes  68 . The weep holes  68  allow water and other liquids which accumulate in the tray to drain therefrom without allowing bird seeds to pass therethrough. The water accumulates in the tray as a result of rain, dew or someone watering the lawn. While weep holes in the tray are discloses a tray without weep holes can also be employed. 
         [0045]    The top end of the bird feeder  60  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The top end includes a connector  70  by which the second bird feeder is secured to the first bird feeder. Apertures  72  permit the first bird feeder to be refilled with bird seed or feed without removing the bird feeder from the bird feeder system. 
         [0046]    A second embodiment of the bird feeder system  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-15 . This second embodiment also includes a first central pole segment or support member  12 . The first pole segment  12  preferably includes threaded portions  14  or connectors  16  on both ends thereof. The lower end of first pole segment is secured to a second central pole segment  15 . Couplers  16  can be employed to secure the two threaded ends of the pole segments together. In addition, one of the pole segments can be provided with internal threads and these would engage an externally threaded end of the other pole segment. In this second embodiment a second pole segment  15  is secured to the lower end of the first pole segment  12 . The second pole segment can be provided with a threaded portion at the top end thereof as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The lower end of the first pole segment  12  includes an internally threaded portion, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The second pole segment is threaded into the first pole segment with the lid  20  of the ballast member therebetween. This type of connection can also be utilized to connect the first pole segment  12  to the first bird feeder  26 . This type of connection is preferred because it prevents water and other fluids from flowing downwardly and into the threads of a threaded connection. The water is prevented from entering a threaded connection as a result of the upper pole being threaded on the interior thus completely sealing the threads from the outside and the water and other fluids. In addition it can be utilized to connect the second bird feeder  46  to the first bird feeder  26  in the first embodiment of the bird feeder system disclosed in  FIGS. 1-3 . An alternate connection between the first and second pole segments; the first bird feeder and the pole segment and the first and second bird feeders is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . A connector  16  includes internal threads. First pole segment  12  (or first bird feeder  26  or second bird feeder  46 ) includes external threads  14  on an end portion. These threads engage the coupling  16 . Second pole segment  15  (or first bird feeder or the top of the first pole segment) includes external threads  14  on an end portion. These threads also engage the coupling  16 . 
         [0047]    In this second embodiment a third pole segment  83 ,  FIGS. 4 ,  7  and  8  can be inserted into the interior of pole segments  12  and  15 . Said third pole segment is preferably constructed of metal. Since the pole segments  12  and  15  are preferably plastic, the metal pole adds structural rigidity to the system. In place of a metal pole, a pole constructed of any other material that is stronger than plastic could be employed. A ballast or stabilization member  18  is secured around pole segment  15 . The ballast member  18  is the same as ballast member  18  in the first embodiment of the system. Member  18  can be inserted into the ground or placed at ground level, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The member  18  is preferably a plastic bucket and contains ballast. Any other shaped member could be used for ballast member  18  as long as it is capable of holding ballast. The ballast may be in the form of a solid material or is may be a liquid, as previously disclosed. The ballast member  18  includes a lid  20  which preferably includes an upstanding rim  21  which extends around the upper periphery of the lid  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . An aperture in the lid  20  permits the insertion of second pole segment  15  into member  18 . When the second pole segment  15  has apertures therein, water and other fluids can be introduced into the ballast member  18  through pole segment  15 . The water or other fluids provide ballast for the lower end of the bird feeder system and helps to stabilize the system. When the ballast member  18  becomes filled with water, the water will exit through the aperture  23  in the lid and pool on top of lid  20  to form a barrier to prevent ants or other insects from reaching pole segment  12  and climbing up to the bird feeder. The water on the top of the lid can also act as a supply of drinking water for the birds and other animals. The ballast can also provide stability to the system when there are high winds. A stake can also be secured to the lower portion of the second pole segment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In place of the stake  24  of the first embodiment, a plug  80  can be secured to the lower end of the second pole segment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The ballast member  18  can then be placed above the ground  19  or on any other support as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0048]    An animal deterrent device  28  is secured to the upper end of first pole segment  12 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The animal deterrent device is tapered or conically shaper from the top towards the bottom and includes a top  34  which serves as a perch for birds. A removable ring or flange  82  slips over the top  34  of the animal deterrent device and engages the sides of the deterrent device. The ring or flange  82  is held in place by friction, although other means could be employed the hold it in place. The ring or flange serves to catch the bird seed or feed which falls off the top  34  of the animal deterrent device. The top portion  84  of the ring is at a greater elevation than the top  34  of the deterrent device. This serves to deflect the wind and rain away from the top  34  of the deterrent device. When the ring or flange becomes filled with seed or feed it is pulled upwardly in a rapid motion and the seed therein is moved to the top  34 . The ring or flange  82  is then replaced onto the deterrent device  28 . The lower peripheral rim of the animal deterrent device is preferably a smooth surface without any projections. These undesirable projections would offer a surface for a squirrel or other animal to grab a hold of a climb to the bird feeder system and are avoided. 
         [0049]    A bird feeder  86  is secured to the upper end of pole segment  12  utilizing one of the connections described in  FIG. 5  or  6 . The bird feeder  86  comprises two containers  88  and  90 , illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 11 . These containers  88  and  90  can be one gallon cans, other containers similar in size to the cans or any other size containers, including recycled containers. The containers  88  and  90  are preferably identical in size. However, they could be other sizes also. Containers  88  and  90  are preferably cylindrical, however they could be any other shape. The first container  88  has an open top and a closed bottom. A plurality of apertures  92  are circumferentially spaced around a lower side portion of container  88 . The apertures  92  are designed to allow birds to remove bird seeds or feed from the bird feeder without the remaining seeds or feed falling out of the feeder due to gravity. The bottom of container  88  includes apertures through which a first feed tube  94  and a second feed tube  96  extend. The feed tubes  94  and  96  extend downwardly from the bottom of container  90  and rest on top  34  of the animal deterrent device  28 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The lower ends of feed tubes  94  and  96  are cut or formed at an angle to allow bird seed or feed to flow from the feed tubes and onto the top  34 , which serves as a feed tray for bird seed or feed. This construction allows the bird seed to be automatically replenished without requiring the attention of an individual. The tops of feed tubes  94  and  96  extend upwardly above the top of container  88 . Bird seed or feed is introduced through the top of feed tubes  94  and  96 . The second container  90  includes an open top and a closed bottom  98 . The bottom  98  closes the lower end of container  90  and includes a plurality of apertures  100 ,  102  and  104  therethrough, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The top of container  90  can be a removable lid or it can be open with a means to secure a feed tube  106  in place relative to the container  90 . The bottom  98  includes apertures  100  for feed tubes  94  and  96 , an aperture  102  for feed tube  106  and an aperture  104  for a feed tube  108 . 
         [0050]    Three different bird seeds or feeds can be offered to the birds or other wildlife using this second embodiment. A first type of bird feed or seed is dispensed through feed tubes  94  and  96 . A second different type of bird seed or feed is dispensed through feed tube  106  and apertures  92 . A third different type of bird seed or feed is dispensed through feed tube  108 . The first and second feed tubes  94  and  96  extend upwardly through the bottom of container  90  for a short distance. A first type of bird seed or feed is supplied into container  90  and from which it flows into and through feed tubes  94  and  96 . This first type of bird seed is eventually distributed onto top  34  of the animal deterrent device  28 . A second type of bird seed or feed in introduced into feed tube  106  and from which it flows into container  88 . The second type of bird seed is distributed through the apertures  92  in the first container. A third type of bird seed or feed is introduced into feed tube the top of feed tube  108  and from which it flows downwardly to the bottom of feed tube  106 . This third type of bird seed or feed is distributed through apertures  110  at the lower portion of feed tube  108 . The apertures or openings  92  and  110  are sized such that a bird can remove the bird seed therefrom but the seed will not be dispensed by gravity alone. 
         [0051]    An advantage of this plural container system is that the supply of first bird seed or feed can be replenished without disturbing the supply of the second and third bird seeds. Also the supply of the second bird seed can be replenished by supplying the second bird seed to the feed tube  106  and thus filling the first container  88  with the second bird seed. This does not disturb the supply of the first and third bird seeds. Finally, the supply of the third bird seed can be replenished by removing lid  112  from the top of feed tube  108 . A third type of bird seed or feed is then placed into feed tube  108  and the lid is replaced. This does not disturb the first and second supply of bird seed. 
         [0052]    The first container  88  includes and aperture through which feed tube  108  passes. A plurality of rings or washers  116 , placed above and below the bottom of container  88  help to secure the container  88  to the bird feeder system and space the first container an appropriate distance above the top  34 . This distance permits birds and other wildlife to alight on top  34  and feed on the bird seed. The rings  116  are preferably made from a resilient material which frictionally adheres to feeder tube  108 , although other types of materials could be used. Also other means could be employed to secure the first container  88  to the feed tube  108 . 
         [0053]    A protection member or deflector  114  is attached to an upper portion of feed tube  108 . The deflector  114  also sits atop the second container  90 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The deflector prevents rain and other unwanted substances from contacting the bird seed or feed which has been dispensed onto top  34  of the animal deterrent device. The deflector alto prevents rain, snow and other weather reaching apertures  92  and  110 . Thus all the bird seed or feed is kept dry. The deflector  114  is preferably a five gallon plastic bucket, although other containers of various shapes and constructed from different materials could also be employed. The outer rim  118  of the bottom of deflector  114  is sized so that water which drips off it will not fall onto the bird seed on top  34  or within ring  82 . The deflector is sized and shaped to permit air to circulate within the deflector. This air circulation helps to keep the birds cool and prevents water condensation within the deflector. The defector  114  also offers shade for the birds and wildlife. 
         [0054]    The central support member or pole is illustrated in  FIG. 8  with the bird feeders, ballast member, animal deterrent device and deflector removed. Preferably this pole or support member is made from plastic or a similar material to prevent lightening strikes, rot and corrosion. Other materials could also be employed provided they have the strength and stability to support the bird feeders, ballast members, animal deterrent device and deflector. 
         [0055]    Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . This embodiment is directed towards a combined bird bath and bird feeder  120 . A first pole segment  12  is connected to a second pole segment  15  by either of the connection means described in  FIG. 5  or  6 . The second pole segment  15  is provided with apertures  22  for the introduction of water or other fluids into ballast member  18 . Ballast member  18  can be filled with fluids, dirt, sand or other solids as described above in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. A lid  20  closes the top of ballast member  18 . The lid functions in the same manner as the lid  20  described in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Coupling  16  can be provided at either, both or neither ends of the second pole segment  15 . A coupling  16  is provided at the top of the first pole segment  12 . Coupling  16  enables a birdbath or feed tray  122  to be secured to the top of pole segment  12 . In  FIG. 16  element  122  serves as a birdbath. The upstanding sides  124  are sealed onto a base  126  to enable water or fluid to be retained within the birdbath. The sides  124  could be a rim that is molded to the base  216 . The preferred shape of base  126  is circular but any other shape could also be employed. A connecting element  128  is secured to coupling  16  through an aperture in base  126 . Other types of connecting means could also be employed. Connecting element  128  is constructed and arranged to serve as a support or island for birds and other wildlife to alight on when using the bird bath. 
         [0056]    When the birdbath  126  is inverted, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , it can serve as a feed tray for birds and wildlife. Bird seed or feed can be placed on the top of the inverted birdbath  126 . The bird seed is retained thereon by a rim or sidewalls  130 . Connecting element  128  can serve as a perch for birds feeding in this embodiment. 
         [0057]    While the components of the bird feeder system are preferably made from plastic material any other material could be used to manufacture these components, including recycled materials. 
         [0058]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0059]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0060]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0061]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.