Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder: Review

Review of the Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder

As of this writing, the Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536 had 403 reviews and 56 answered questions on Amazon.  This is a good number that gave a solid feel for the  pros and cons of this feeder.  In order to make your shopping experience faster and easier, I’ve read through both the customer comments and answered questions.  I’ve then condensed the results into this report.

Best Fea​tures

• check Easy to fill; fills from both sides
• check Durability​
• check Holds up to 12 pounds of bird seed
• check Sloped floor reduces waste
• check Made from steel 

Item Specifics

The Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536 weighs 9.85 pounds with dimensions of 11.25 x 16 x 13.5 inches.  It can hold up to 12 pounds of bird seed.  This is a very large and sturdy bird feeder. 

This double-sided feeder is made to attract a wide range of birds to your backyard.  It has a locking top with metal spring-activated perches that work together to keep squirrels away.  The Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder is made from all metal.  It is designed with two counter balance perches that are adjustable to three positions to allow light, medium or heavy birds on the perch.  When too heavy of a weight is placed on the  perch, the top locks down securely.  This means that squirrels or large birds will be denied access to the food.  A metal shield will come down and immediately cover the seed tray.  Hence the access to the seed supply is shut off.

This feeder is made to hold a variety of seed mixes including sunflower seeds, peanut halves, or safflower.  Because it is large and holds up to 12 pounds of seed, it will require less frequent filling.  The metal prevents chewing because it is chew-resistant green powder coated with a steel body.  A zinc-plated steel hanger and black powder coated pole is included.

When you want to fill this feeder, you can simply unlatch the squirrel resistant roof and lift for easy filling and cleaning.  The seed level indicator window shows when the feeder is empty.

The overhanging roof and hopper keeps the seeds dry by protecting them from the elements.  A great advantage to this bird feeder is that it comes fully assembled.

Advantages

There are some great advantages to this bird feeder.  The first is that it is durable.  The second advantage is that it is easy to fill.  The third advantage is that it comes fully assembled and it even includes the steel hanging rod and pole that is needed to hang it.

Disadvantages

This is not a squirrel proof bird feeder as advertised.  There is also a flaw in the design that allows small birds to greatly injure their legs.  

Squirrel Proof? Or Not?

After reading the reviews, I must report that this is not squirrel proof.  I can’t help but to find these reviews a bit entertaining, since almost all of the advertised as squirrel proof bird feeders on the market are no match for the squirrels. Customers seemed to enjoy sending photos of the squirrels eating from this bird feeder.  Some squirrels got in the top and could actually sit on seed and eat all they wanted. So, if you are wanting a 100% squirrel proof bird feeder, this is not it. Some people however did report less loss of feed to squirrels.

Many of the customers found it amusing to watch the squirrels try to get feed from this bird feeder.  One person wrote, “The bird feeder has weight-sensitive perches that close off the seed supply if a heavy bird or animal try to sit on it or, in the case of the squirrels, grab it from below or climb down on it from above.  I have it set to the lightest weight.  The squirrels climb the pole and reach for the perch, only to have the feed door slam down.  They can scrounge a few little seeds but they can’t break open the feeder and gorge themselves.  It is so fun to watch them trying to figure out a way to get in! (They can see the seed through the glass).  They try holding on with one paw and scratching at the glass, they try sitting on top and reaching down, and they try to sneak their heads up under the perch.  No go.  But good for a lot of laughs.”

Small Bird Injuries

Apparently there is a flaw in the design where small birds are being injured.  One customer explains it well, “It didn’t take long for the squirrels to figure out how to defeat the weighted perch security system.  But what really troubles me about this feeder is that we have had two Black-capped Chickadees get their claws caught in the feeder perch.  Both birds caused themselves severe injury to their legs trying to get free.  We had to gently remove their severely injured and bleeding leg from the feeder.  Each time they quickly flew away.  One bird had no “foot” left….I don’t know how often this happens or if others have had a similar experience but it has happened to us twice in the last six weeks.  The manufacturer should consider altering the design to prevent this from happening again.”

Pros

• plus Large feeder that can hold up to 12 pounds of feed
• plus Sloped floor minimizes seed loss
• plus Durable

Cons

• close Not squirrel proof 
• close Flaw in design; small birds have been injured

Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Conclusion

This is a sturdy bird feeder that will feed a lot of birds at one time.  The large capacity area for seed means less filling or if you have a lot of birds – more feed for the birds.  This feeder is not squirrel resistant so the buyer should be aware that though it may (or may not) cut down on squirrels feeding from it, it is definitely not totally resistant to squirrels.  The nice thing about the Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7536 is that it comes assembled and includes the pole and hanging bar.  

Common Questions

Here are some top questions that I found for people wanting to know more about the Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder.

• chevron-circle-right If I set this to keep starlings off. . . What happens if multiple birds try to feed at one time? Will total weight activate this?  Yes it will.  7+ sparrows will activate the shutter.
• chevron-circle-right Can the birds eat from both sides or only 1 side?  Yes, the birds can eat from both sides of this feeder. 
• chevron-circle-right How do you fill it?  There’s a little pinch clamp attached to the roof. Just pinch the clamp together and raise the roof.  

Related Article: Best Bird Feeders – Our Top Picks to Bring the Birds Flocking to your Yard