After losing several feeders and having others damaged, we gave up and no
longer leave feeders out overnight. That means that there is no feed for
periods
of up to two weeks as we visit our second home only about that often. Before
bears became more common and more aggressive in our area, we even had a big
"reserve" feeder that we fashioned which provided feed for up to 3 weeks or so.
I can only assume that long gaps in feed availability are having an effect
on our counts, particularly of the more nomadic species like the fringillids.
This would make an interesting research project for a grad student.
I, too, have considered using a very high wire between trees that can't be
reached from the ground, but have just never quite gotten around to it.
Probably worth a try, but I wouldn't attach it to my house--just two trees to
limit
damage if a bear decides that he just has to have it.
Good luck
Dave Davis
Arlington and Cedar Creek
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