Sometimes a baffle just isn’t enough, like when squirrels figure out that horizontal launching point from where to jump sideways to reach the feeder. For example, say you’ve got a pole-mounted bird feeder near your deck (so you can watch birds from inside the house). A baffle on the pole will keep crafty critters from shimmying up from the ground, but most times they can jump sideways from the deck to reach the feeder… like about ten feet horizontally!

You’ve likely heard of them before, the Yankee Flipper, Tipper, Whipper and Dipper… but what’s the difference? Droll Yankees is an industry leader in squirrel proof bird feeders. They’re line of weight-calibrated feeders mentioned above is unsurpassed, squirrel’s shenanigans just don’t stand a chance! But the four similar names of these squirrel proof bird feeders might pique one’s curiosity as to their differences.

First, it’s a good idea to know that all of these squirrel proof bird feeders are the same size, with same large, five-pound capacity. Each also contains four feeding ports. Colors differ with each model, the Dipper is burgundy, Flipper is hunter green, Whipper is midnight blue, and the Tipper is classic black. They all have similar product features and lifetime warranties against squirrel damage too.

So let’s start with the Yankee Dipper: Basically it operates with four collapsing straight perches, which drop with the weight of anything larger than a Cardinal. Smaller birds like Titmice and Nuthatches are drawn to this type of straight perch at a tube feeder.

The Tipper is a squirrel proof bird feeder complete with a seed tray, and allows more birds to feed at once. Birds who may not actually “perch” may be seen feeding on a seed tray. The tray simply tips 180 degrees when the weight is more than that of four Cardinals at once.

The Whipper also features four collapsable perches, but these are curved and longer, with Cardinals in mind. They can feed “straight-on” which is more comfortable and inviting for them-and many other medium-size songbirds.

The Flipper (pictured at top) is actually motorized with a circular perch. The weight triggers the motor to spin, gently tossing the squirrel off the feeder.

Droll Yankees crafts amazing squirrel proof bird feeders of the highest quality. To see product videos of each of these feeders, just click on the corresponding photo. Investing in a great quality feeder like one of these, will save you birdseed, money, and spare much aggravation… they’re even quite entertaining to watch!