How To Choose the Right Bird Feeder Pole
A bird feeder pole is used to hang or mount bird feeders. A pole can be positioned anywhere around your property by anchoring it into the ground or attaching it to a deck railing. Once the feeders are in place, sit back and watch the birds fly in.
Whether you’re an avid bird lover or a novice naturalist, here’s what to look for in a backyard bird feeder pole.
Height
Different species of birds nest and feed at a range of heights, from two to 50 feet. If cats or raccoons are about, your feeder pole should rise at least six to eight feet above the ground.
Weight and Capacity
Are you aiming to attract tiny hummingbirds or full-sized blue jays? The pole you select should be sturdy enough to support the largest bird species in your area.
Durability
Choose a well-made pole of sturdy metal, wood or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to ensure it won’t lean, bend, snap or tip over during a storm or high winds.
Easy to Assemble and Install
Assembling and installing a bird feeder pole shouldn’t be complicated or take more than an hour. Many metal poles come with handy base prongs that take less than a minute to insert into the ground.
Other types of feeder poles attach to railings using brackets or clamps. Check these periodically to make sure the fasteners haven’t loosened over.
Squirrel Proof
Squirrels are a huge nuisance. According to the folks at the Backyard Bird Shop, here’s the best way to prevent a squirrel from raiding your bird feeder: “Try a baffle (a dome or cylinder barrier) between the squirrels and your feeder. Some hang above, others mount on a pole or post below your feeder.”
Style
Don’t you want your bird feeder pole to look good? From a simple shepherd’s hook to something a little more elaborate, choose a pole that fits your backyard decor.
Deck Mount Bird Feeder Pole
Guaranteed to hold up to gale force winds and harsh salty air, MidCenturyWoodShop Brightwork Birdhouse Poles are made of polished stainless steel that offers high tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Designed to support bird feeders and birdhouses, the best-in-class-quality poles are available in 12-, 18-, 24-, 30- and 36-inch lengths. All mounting hardware and shipping are included.
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Squirrel-Proof Pole System with Baffle
The Squirrel Stopper Bronze Deluxe Squirrel Proof Pole System with Baffle gives thieving rodents a run for their money, but don’t just take our word for it. Amazon reviewers gave it a near-perfect 4.8 stars.
The difference-maker can be found halfway up the eight-foot pole — a clever spring-loaded, inverted-cone-shaped baffle that bounces up and down and tilts back and forth. When squirrels jump on it or attempt to climb it, they end up back down on the ground. The pole supports up to four feeders.
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Shepherd’s Hook Bird Feeder Pole
Sporting a graceful curlicue, the Beau Jardin Shepherd’s Hook Bird Feeder Pole is our pick for the easiest to install. The shaft, a single piece of solid steel, features double-forked base prongs that you stake firmly in the ground with your foot. Go ahead and hang up your heaviest bird feeder, birdhouse or flower baskets — this hook can handle it.
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Decorative Deck Bird Feeder Pole
Spiff up your outdoor space with the Urban Deco Deck Bird Feeder Pole. It clamps to any horizontal deck, porch or veranda rail about two inches thick or less — no tools are necessary. Featuring two adjustable branches with leaves and a charming little bird perched on top, you can hang bird feeders and suet cages as well as lanterns or string lights for alfresco entertaining.
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Deluxe Bird Feeding Station
Create a backyard sanctuary for hungry birds with the multi-port Ashman Deluxe Bird Feeding Station. It comes with two heavy-duty top hooks, two smaller arms, a mesh tray and a birdbath. The fowl-friendly unit has three solid prongs that stake the pole deeply into the ground. Accessories can easily be removed for washing.
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Adjustable Outdoor Shepherd’s Hook
Many bird feeder poles are too high, making it difficult to fill the feeders, or too low, leaving them an easy target for the neighbor’s cat. The Artibear Adjustable Outdoor Shepherd’s Hook solves both problems. Adjust the height of the pole at will — to 44, 60, 76, 92 or 108 inches — depending on how many extenders you use. There’s plenty of room on the pole to add an optional squirrel baffle (not included).
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Two-Arm Bird Feeding Post
Made in the U.S. of premium PVC, the Duncraft Masterpiece Two-Arm Feeding Station is easy to maintain because it never needs sanding, painting or staining. It won’t crack, fade or rot, either. The sturdy post comes with two carabiners that lock your feeders (not included) securely into place on the two 14-inch arms. A 4-in. x 4-in. heavy-duty ground auger sets the post 20 inches into the ground for extra stability.
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