[BroadHopper]

I recall that the fish and game and national wildlife federation would prefer that people do not hang out bird feeders during the fall and winter months. It effect the migration of wild birds, if there is food supply they may not migrate.

This was a while ago, I have not heard anything since. Because of this my family do not hang out bird feeders in the fall and winter months. We will hang out the feeders during the summer, especially the hummingbird feeder.

If you have trouble with squirrels and 'coons, sprinkling cayenne pepper in the bird feed deter them. The birds cannot taste the pepper. I am not sure if this trick will deter the bears, but they usually tear down the feeder before they feed.