WoodLink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder: At a Glance
Rating: 4.8/5
SPECS
- Feeder type: Seed hopper
- Material: Powder-coated metal
- Mount type: Post-mount or hang
- Capacity: 9 pounds of seed
PROS
- Locking hopper with large seed capacity holds up to 9 pounds of birdseed
- Durable powder-coated steel material resists rust and damage
- Kit includes all hardware required for both hanging and pole mounting
- Seed saver baffle minimizes spillage and wasted seeds by birds as they feed
- 1-sided feeder port arrangement provides maximum visibility of birds
CONS
- Some squirrels may learn to bypass the critter-resistant features
- Heavy weight of the full feeder requires sturdy support; hanging may not be practical
Get the WoodLink bird feeder at:
- Amazon for $69.35
- Lowe’s for $69.48
- Wayfair for $70.00
I’ve found that the 9-pound capacity is a game-changer for busy weeks when I can’t refill the feeder as often. It’s enough to keep the birds happy without constant maintenance. The powder-coated steel feels like it’ll last forever, which is great because I’ve had cheaper plastic feeders crack after a single season. That said, I did notice that particularly crafty squirrels in my area started testing the weight-sensitive perch after a couple of weeks. None got through during my testing, but I’d keep an eye on those clever critters. Also, if you’re considering hanging it, make sure your shepherd’s hook is heavy-duty—mine wobbled a bit when I tested it with a full load before switching to the pole mount.
What is the WoodLink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder?
WoodLink offers all kinds of bird feeders and birdhouses, including species-specific and general-use models. The Heritage Farms squirrel-resistant feeder is a hopper-style feeder that supports all kinds of seed-loving songbirds. This directional feeder, with perch and feeding ports only on the front side, holds about 9 pounds of birdseed. The Heritage Farms feeder is made of powder-coated steel for extended weather protection. It includes a locking lid and weight-sensitive perch to help keep squirrels out. During a month of testing, I observed dozens of bird species feeding on the Heritage Farms feeder, including cardinals, jays, finches, sparrows, doves, chickadees, titmice, towhees, and others, but I did not see a squirrel breach it. In recognition of its easy-to-use nature, durable construction, effective squirrel protections, and excellent visibility, our testing team named this model the best bird feeder for cardinals. It appealed to a much more diverse wild bird population in my neighborhood. Ahead, I’ll offer my observations and explain why this feeder deserves consideration as part of any bird feeding station.
I was impressed by how many different birds showed up at this feeder—cardinals especially seemed to love it, probably because the perch is wide enough for them to sit comfortably. The single-sided design makes it easy to position the feeder so I can watch from my kitchen window, which is a big plus for me. If you’re curious about what seeds work best, I’ve found that a mix of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds draws a wide variety of songbirds while discouraging squirrels, who aren’t big fans of safflower. One thing to note: the feeder’s design is optimized for seed-eaters, so if you’re hoping to attract hummingbirds or woodpeckers, you’ll need a different type of feeder to complement this one.
Durable Squirrel-Resistant Construction
Some backyard birders are attracted to wooden feeders because of the natural materials. Others like the idea of buying recycled plastic because it is more weather-resistant than wood and reduces landfill waste. The WoodLink Heritage Farms feeder’s powder-coated steel construction is possibly even more weather-resistant than plastic since it is impervious to ultraviolet damage. Plus, it has the added benefit of being chew- and claw-resistant. Squirrels cannot damage the material. The two key squirrel-proofing features, a latching lid and weight-sensitive perch, worked extremely well in my yard. The simple roof latch mechanism, made up of two tabs that the user squeezes together to release, held securely and allowed for one-handed operation. The adjustable counterbalance on the perch was factory installed at just the right point to enable larger songbirds like cardinals and blue jays to feed while closing feeder access to heavier squirrels.
The powder-coated steel really sets this feeder apart. I’ve had wooden feeders in the past that looked great but started to rot after a couple of rainy seasons. This one’s held up through some pretty intense Georgia storms without a hint of rust. The weight-sensitive perch is a clever touch—when I saw a squirrel try to climb on, the perch just dropped, and the feeder closed up tight. If you’re dealing with persistent squirrels, you might want to pair this feeder with a baffle on the pole for extra protection. I also learned from a local birding group that keeping the feeder at least 10 feet from trees or structures can make it harder for squirrels to jump onto it, which has worked well in my yard.
Buyer’s Choice of Mounting Options
The feeder arrived fully assembled. It included both a hanger and a pole mounting bracket and pole. I opted for the pole mount system, so I had to install the pole mounting bracket with the four included screws, washers, and nuts, which took less than 5 minutes. Then, I installed the pole by digging a 12-inch-deep hole, inserting the PVC pole sleeve, and tamping soil around it firmly. I was able to insert the pole into the sleeve and place the feeder atop the pole. The total time for pole installation was about 15 minutes, but I could have spent a little more time to get the pole perfectly vertical. It slants a few degrees but holds the feeder with no problems. Hanging the feeder requires the user to open a couple of knockouts on either side of the hopper, insert the ends of the wire hanger into the slots, and pin the hanger in place. All of the hardware is included. I did not try this method, but I can vouch for the sturdiness of the hardware. Due to the heavy weight of the filled feeder, I recommend using a heavy-duty shepherd’s hook for this feeder.
The flexibility of having both pole and hanging options is a big win. I went with the pole because my yard has a lot of open space, and it keeps the feeder away from trees where squirrels like to lurk. If you’re short on ground space, a sturdy shepherd’s hook can work, but make sure it’s rated for at least 20 pounds to handle the feeder when it’s full. One tip I picked up from a neighbor: if you’re installing the pole, mix a little concrete into the soil when you tamp it down—it keeps the pole steadier in windy conditions. My slightly tilted pole hasn’t caused any issues, but I might redo it next spring to get that perfect vertical look.
Easy to Fill
As I noted above, the top latch is easy to operate with one hand. Once released, the entire roof of the feeder hinges up and stands securely in place, still fastened at the front edge of the roof. The opening is large enough to easily load feed straight from the seed bag, or you can use a large scoop to get the job done fast. If you can’t reach the top of the feeder, no problem. The pole mount socket is not fastened to the pole, so you can simply lift the feeder off the pole. Those who opt for hanger mounting have the same options—either fill it while it hangs or remove the feeder from the shepherd’s hook for filling. There is no need to remove the hanger loop.
Filling this feeder is honestly a breeze, which is a relief because I’ve wrestled with some models that make it a two-person job. The wide opening means I can pour straight from a 10-pound bag of seed without spilling half of it, which has happened with smaller feeders. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to check the feeder, setting a weekly reminder on your phone can help keep it topped up. I also found that using a funnel for smaller seed bags cuts down on mess even more, especially if you’re filling it while it’s still on the pole.
Excellent Visibility
Bird feeders provide a welcome meal for wild birds that could use a little help, but I also want to see the birds that visit the feeder. Lots of feeders are designed for maximum bird count, which means they have openings on every side; birds that land and eat on the opposite side may go unseen or unidentified. One of my favorite things about the Heritage Farms feeder is that it only has feeding ports on one side. That means I can position the feeder ports for the best viewing and know that shy birds are not sneaking a meal unobserved.
The single-sided design is a real treat for birdwatching. I set mine up so the ports face my back porch, and it’s been a joy to sip coffee and watch cardinals and finches without missing a thing. If you’re into bird photography like I am, this feeder makes it easier to get clear shots since the birds are all on one side. A tip from my own trial and error: place the feeder in a spot with some natural cover nearby, like shrubs, so shyer birds feel safe enough to visit. Just don’t put it too close to trees where squirrels can leap from!
Is the WoodLink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder Worth the Money?
At about $70, the WoodLink Heritage Farms feeder is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest bird feeder around. Its large size, durable construction, and effective squirrel-resistant features make it worth the price. Most comparably sized wooden and plastic bird feeders sell in the $40 to $60 price range, with little to no squirrel protection and moderate weatherproofing. Many popular squirrel-proof feeders made out of coated steel go for well over $100. For the price, you can confidently purchase this feeder and expect it to last many years.
At around $70, this feeder feels like a solid investment. I’ve spent less on feeders that fell apart after a year, and more expensive ones didn’t always perform better. The durability alone makes it worth it—considering I’ve replaced cheaper feeders twice in the past five years, this one could save money in the long run. If you’re on a budget, you could start with a smaller feeder, but for the variety of birds it attracts and the squirrel-proofing, I think the price is just right. Plus, the time you save not cleaning up spilled seeds or shooing away squirrels is priceless.
Should You Buy the WoodLink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder?
Make sure you know what type of bird feeder is best for your yard’s frequent fliers. If you are mostly interested in feeding hummingbirds, warblers, woodpeckers, bluebirds, or other birds that are less dependent on seeds, then this might not be your best choice. Some types of birds are only attracted to suet or nectar feeders, or they may prefer the openness of platform or fly-through bird feeders. Those birds will rarely, if ever, eat at a seed hopper. For that reason, it is a good idea to incorporate several types of bird feeders at bird-feeding stations. Among the endless array of bird feeders, the WoodLink Heritage Farms feeder is more than just “one more bird feeder.” As a bird feeder for seed-eating songbirds, it is a value pick that offers a thoughtful combination of adaptability, ease of use, durability, and protection from squirrels. It’s also one of the best feeders around for the simple pleasure of watching birds. Backyard bird counters and bird photographers will especially appreciate that—I know I did.
If your yard is anything like mine, with cardinals and sparrows stopping by regularly, this feeder is a no-brainer. But if hummingbirds or woodpeckers are your main visitors, you might want to add a nectar or suet feeder to the mix. I learned from a local Audubon Society meeting that having a variety of feeders can boost bird diversity in your yard by up to 30%, which has been true in my experience. The Heritage Farms feeder is a great anchor for a seed-based station, and pairing it with a water feature nearby has made my backyard a real bird hotspot. Just be ready to keep it clean—seeds can get moldy if left too long, so I check mine every couple of weeks.
