I've been waiting for this since I ordered it with great excitement because I was desperate to help protect the little birds, especially in these bitter times more that I was doing. However, although the bird feeder went up straight, was easy to assemble and looked really great in the garden I noticed a potential problem that cannot be ignored. The image on the box that you base the purchase on is not the same as that which you will receive. Although a sensible re-design of the seed tray and water dish have eliminated a risk to the birds (from those pictured on the box), a much worse re-design has been committed which could cost birds lives.
There are no bars joining the top arms to the pole as shown on the box, this means that a bird such as a Blue Tit, Grey Tit, or any other tiny bird that uses these could slip down and get it's leg trapped, and in fact, while retrospectively reading the feedback, this has in fact happened to one poor lady and no doubt the two birds in question died having been unable to gather food as needed as the birds that generally use these cling to walls to look for insects etc...
The feeder itself is a fine item, rugged, tall and very good for the amount of items that can be hung on it, but this serious error in the re-design may make you think about not getting one but please do not be put off too much, after reading this review at least you will know of the problem and be able to rectify it by your own means as it really is a lovely item.
The omission of these bars was obviously made by someone not at all familiar with the birds which would use it, how it ever got accepted by the manufacturer is beyond me and I will be writing to them about it.
I cut up a carpenters pencil and used aluminium roofing tape to secure it between the curved arm and the upright, I then coloured them with Indelible Black marker in order to make it at least appear black. I have no doubt it will weather away but the effect should be gradual and not scare the birds - one day I hope to find a better solution.
I am hoping that this new addition to the garden will attract a greater number of birds into my space, I intend to fill it with seeds, sunflower hearts, nuts, water and suet blocks, it will hold them all and more and will serve it's purpose for a long time.