A tube feeder filled with sunflower seed is sure to delight some of the smaller birds like the American goldfinch, black-capped chickadee, Carolina chickadee and tufted titmouse. Thistle seed in a tube feeder is a favorite of goldfinches, purple finches, house finches, chickadees and a variety of sparrows. Often, squirrels visit bird feeders and, in many cases, can become a nuisance by consuming the majority of seed. Squirrels may also damage feeders by chewing through plastic and wooden parts. One way to curtail this problem is to erect squirrel guards, metal cones placed above hanging feeders and below feeders mounted on poles.
Squirrels simply slip off the guards before they can reach the seed.
Many people solve this problem by creating a squirrel feeding station away from bird feeding areas. Uncooked corn on the cob is a favorite of squirrels and can be used to lure them away from your bird feeder. We often forget that wintering birds also require water. Cold winter temperatures may freeze available water sources, making them completely inaccessible to birds. Birdbaths or even a shallow pan or bowl filled with water will satisfy a bird's water requirements.