Squirrel-inhibiting shield for a bird feeder

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a shield capable of inhibiting squirrels from eating bird seed from a bird feeder. The present invention comprises an enclosure having a cavity capable of housing bird seed, a perch attached to the enclosure and located below the hole, and a shield located offset from and substantially in front of the hole and in proximity to the perch. The shield preferably has three substantially U-shaped members capable of inhibiting squirrels from eating the bird seed through the hole. A structure is preferably attached between the enclosure and the shield to secure the shield in its offset position, and preferably comprises a first segment attached between the first and second terminal ends of the first U-shaped member, and a second segment attached between the first and second terminal ends of the third U-shaped member. These first and second segments further inhibit a squirrel from accessing the hole in the bird feeder. The bird feeder optionally also comprises a canopy attached to the enclosure and located above the hole and in proximity to the shield. The canopy further inhibits squirrels from eating the bird seed through the hole, as well as substantially protects the hole from rain.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.