How to Make a Baffle

Most people, at some point in their lives, have heard others complain about squirrels eating all the bird seed out of their bird feeders. It is a nuisance to purchase the seed, haul it home, fill the bird feeder with it and hang the feeder back up; but we do those things so that we can watch and enjoy the many birds that will come and visit the feeder. Once a squirrel figures out that there is easy access to food in that feeder, the birds won't have a chance of getting any to eat. It is inexpensive and extremely simple to make a baffle that will prevent the squirrels from reaching the bird seed.

Things You'll Need

• 1 hanging bird feeder
• 1 funnel
• 1 roll of heavy-duty string or wire
• 1 bag of bird seed
• 1 bird field guide

Instructions

1. Drive to your local hardware store to select and purchase your materials. The funnel you choose needs to be as large as or larger than the top of your bird feeder. The string or wire you choose needs to fit snugly through the smaller opening in the funnel.

2. Attach a long piece of the heavy-duty string or wire to the top of the hanging bird feeder. Usually there will be a hook at the top of the feeder. After you have securely attached the string or wire, tie a large knot in it approximately 6-inches above the top of the bird feeder.

3. Turn the funnel upside down (with the big, open end at the bottom) and run the loose end of the string/wire through the funnel. Run it through until it stops at the knot that you tied approximately 6-inches above the bird feeder.

4. Fill the bird feeder with the seed that you purchased. If you have a large feeder, you may want to only fill it about halfway so it's not too heavy. You may also want to research and find out what types of birds are prominent in your area and what bird seed to feed them.

5. Hang the filled bird feeder on the sturdiest branch of a nearby tree. Tie several knots and attach it securely so that it will not fall easily. Now you can relax and enjoy the many birds that will come to visit your bird feeder. Use a bird field guide and keep count of all of the different types of birds that stop by. And now you won't have to worry about those pesky squirrels eating all the bird seed.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the types of birds that are prominent in your area and purchase a bird feeder and seed according to those specifications.

• Be careful when hanging your bird feeder. If you have to climb to reach a branch, use a sturdy ladder and have someone there to help you.