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Droll Yankee Flipper

*Est. $95

Reviewed

January 2010

by ConsumerSearch

Battery-operated squirrel-proof feeder

Pros

Motorized perch spins off gray squirrels
Effective and fun to watch
Battery and charger included
Motor guaranteed for one year
Feeder body guaranteed for life

Cons

Expensive
Relies on a battery that needs charging
Doesn't flip lighter, red squirrels

Where to Buy

for $113.30

Our Analysis
Specs
272 Amazon Reviews

January 2009. The Droll Yankee Flipper stands out in reviews for both performance and entertainment value. Reviews say its weight-sensitive perch sends gray squirrels spinning to the ground (although red squirrels may be too light to set the motor in action). While its motor-less competitor, the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus (est. $75), also deters both red and gray squirrels, it denies squirrels access to seed but doesn't twirl them off the bird feeder. The Yankee Flipper is 21" high, holds four quarts of seed, and is made of durable plastic with a tight-fitting, metal cap. Critics point out that, in order for the squirrel-proof feature to keep working, you have to keep the motor's battery charged. They also note that the Flipper's motor and charger are guaranteed for only one year (unlike the feeder body which has a limited lifetime warranty).

We found the best information about the Droll Yankee Flipper at Bird-Feeder-And-Bird-House-Guide.com, with a detailed analysis of nine squirrel-proof feeders and their strengths and weaknesses; Bird Watcher's Digest, with a field test of 13 squirrel-proof feeders; and The Wall Street Journal, with a test and review of four bird feeders. Audubon Magazine's website and about 50 Amazon customers attest that the Yankee Flipper really works, at least with gray squirrels.

Where To Buy

Droll Yankees YF Flipper 4-Port Hanging Bird Feeder

(272 reviews)
Buy new: $135.00 $113.30 48 Used & new from $97.99

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Bird-Feeder-And-Bird-House-Guide.com

This guide analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of nine squirrel-proof bird feeders, including the Droll Yankee Whipper, Tipper, Dipper and Flipper. While somewhat skeptical of the Flipper because its motor is guaranteed for only one year, the author says it is a "very effective squirrel proof bird feeder" that some find hard to resist.

Review: The Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder, Robert Kegebein, 2007

2. Bird Watchers Digest.com

Mary Dykstra summarizes the results of field tests conducted by five Bird Watcher's Digest readers of 13 different squirrel-proof feeders, including the Yankee Flipper. The tester gives the Flipper high marks overall.

Review: Squirrel Proof?, Mary Dykstra

3. The Wall Street Journal

Four bird feeders, including one squirrel-proof model (The Yankee Flipper) are tested and reviewed. The report says the Flipper is "easy to set up" but cites as a drawback the fact that the bottom has a motor with a battery that needs to be charged.

Review: Bird Feeders: Some Stylish, Eco-Friendly, Anjali Athavaley, Oct. 4, 2007

4. Audubon Magazine

This brief article credits the Yankee Flipper with putting to rest the "old saw that there is no such thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeder (at least one without screening)."

Review: Pesky Pranksters, Ted Williams

5. Amazon.com

While most of the owner-reviewers give The Yankee Flipper very high scores, some report that it won't stop red squirrels and some say that the birdseed gets moist and doesn't flow smoothly.

Review: Untitled, Contributors to Amazon.com

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