The birds tend to lose out when competing with squirrels. If you welcome squirrels, you may provide feeders for them as well as the birds. Squirrels will take roasted peanuts from a platform, or corn from a dried ear of corn mounted on a special squirrel feeder. Hanging a platform on the trunk of a tree and placing corn, nuts, sunflower seed or other foods for the squirrels may reduce competition at the bird feeders. CATS Some uninvited guests may appear in your yard as a result of attracting the birds.
Cats can be a real or perceived threat to birds.
Birds will avoid feeding in areas where a cat is lurking nearby. If you have cats, keep them indoors. If you let them out, at least put a bell on their collar. This will make it difficult for the cat to sneak up on the birds. If your neighbor has cats, you may be able to convince them to do the same.