[CT Birds] Bear-resistant bird feeders

[Dave Rosgen]

Since the subject of bear-proof bird feeders has come up again, I have been
asked by a few readers to provide information on my setup at the Rosgen
Wildlife Sanctuary in Winchester. I also provided much of this information
in a posting here about 6 months ago. First, it needs to be stated that
nothing is 100% bear proof. They are remarkably intelligent animals when it
comes to finding ways to get what they want. Just when you think that you've
outsmarted them all, a new one comes along and proves you wrong. Winchester
is over-run with bears. I've seen at least 15 different ones in town so far
this year. That is based upon tags and/or appearance and/or behavior. None
have been aggressive in any way, but I still don't trust them any farther
than I can throw them. They deserve a lot of respect; but not fear.

Since my latest round of feeder modifications last May, no bears have been
successful in getting them. (That means that I'll find them demolished
tonight when I get home). It has been lots of fun watching them get
frustrated trying, although I haven't seen any attempts in the past 2
months. That is probably due to the abundant wild food crop. I still see at
least one (or its evidence) every week on my property.

Here are the latest feeder-mounting specifications, with almost all of the
materials coming from the dump:

#1 -- (1) 15 foot long, 3 inch diameter cast iron water pipe, sunk 5 feet in
the ground, and cemented in place with (3) 25 pound bags of concrete mix,
about 3 pounds of sand, and 6 gallons of water. It took over 24 hours to set
and become hard, but now it isn't moveable. Even 500 pound Enormous Bear
hasn't budged it.

#2 - (1) 8 foot long, 8 inch diameter industrial stove pipe. This sleeves
the water pipe loosely from the platform feeder downward, and is fastened
into the bottom of the feeder with (4) 2 inch drywall screws.

Nothing can climb this, including raccoons and squirrels, as it is slick
galvanized steel. Since it fastens flush under the platform feeder, no
smaller critters can climb the water pipe and get to the feeders.

#3 - (1) platform feeder that is about 18 inches long by 12 inches wide,
which I built from scrap lumber. This is fastened to the top of the water
pipe with a threaded flange that can be bought from Home Depot.

#4 - up to 4 other feeders, with one hanging off each corner of the
platform; and their bottoms must remain at least 8 feet 9 inches above
ground. The highest that I've seen a bear (Enormous) reach is 8 feet 8
inches. That reach, coupled with his girth, is the reason for his name.

#5 - Suet feeders are attached to the corner posts of the platform feeder.

#6 - (1) 10 foot heavy-duty step ladder to reach these feeders and withstand
a bear rocking it back-and-forth while you are on it trying to fill the
feeders.

Though this is a lot of work, it is effective, and it successfully feeds a
lot of birds. I hope this helps.

Dave 

 

David Rosgen

Director of Research

White Memorial Conservation Center

P.O. Box 368

Litchfield, CT 06759

860-567-0857

dave at whitememorialcc.org

www.whitememorialcc.org