This feeder does deter the gray squirrels and I had high hopes that it would discourage the starlings that have taken over my current feeder. However, both the starlings and blue jays just cling to the cage and have no problem reaching the feeding ports. The cage needs a wider diameter to be effective.

I love this feeder. The squirrels really try to get in but we've only had two succeed in several years. The first was a baby squirrel that found out he could get through the mesh. However, he didn't realize he was going to grow so one day he got in and couldn't get out. I put on my heavy leather welding gloves, took the top off, and from then on we were good buddies. Lol. The second one was after we had the feeder a few years, the raccoons knocked it down and bent one piece of the mesh which I could easily bend back, since it had rusted a little. Another squirrel discovered that it could bend the rung to open the cage. It was too funny. I just ordered my third yesterday, my second one from Duncraft--I got the first one at a garage sale for $3!

I have two of these for the Painted Buntings and Indigo Buntings that spend the winter here in Florida. I have been feeding them for several years. I try to keep only one feeder out at a time, since they are difficult to clean and dry. At this point they are starting to come apart, I keep fixing them. I hate to buy any more, since they are rather expensive, but may have to if I remain in my home....the Buntings are reliable winter visitors...I would hate to stop feeding them. I look forward to their arrivals every winter.

Good, sturdy bird feeder for small birds. Because the bottom is open, loose seeds don't accumulate in bottom and attract large birds who stick their heads in to eat the left overs. The roof is great for winter. But, opening this feeder is a bit of a problem. This feeder has a long rigid, metal hanger, a heavy lid, and two metal squirrel stoppers. It is difficult to get both metal discs and the lid up the metal column at the same time.

I bought this feeder because mourning doves were raiding the black oil seed for the sparrows. I had my doubts as to whether or not they could fit between the openings. I wish Duncraft had specified whether they would. The photo shows smaller birds. However, the sparrows do indeed fit, but it is a tight fit. They had a bit of a learning curve, but all is well now. The only problem I have with the design is opening the top to load seed. Unlike other top feeders, the top does not fully get out of the way. Instead it only bends perhaps 50 degrees, thus making loading a problem. Not sure why that was done. Seems it would be simple to design one so that the top could be angled completely to the side. The good news is that the doves no longer are raiding the feeder. No where for them to land or grip.