The feeder pole is a good idea, but there are a few problems with it. 1. It's a two-person job to get it into the ground, and after a few months--especially if it's in a location that gets the wind--it's necessary to pull it out and re-position it. We solved that problem by driving a length of rebar into the ground, right next to the pole, and then securing it with heavy-duty zip-ties. 2. The biggest problem is the water dish. Removing it (for cleaning) is a pain-in-the-neck.After a few months in the sun, it becomes brittle and breaks. Same for cold weather. The manufacturer was very good about sending replacement water dishes, and has done so twice. But it's a nuisance to keep contacting them about a recurring problem. 3.The squirrels have been able to climb it--and no squirrel baffle or grease on the pole has deterred them. Our solution was to replace our feeders with "caged" seed feeders and "caged" suet feeders. Fortunately, the squirrels aren't interested in the nyjer feed that the goldfinches eat.