The secret to keeping squirrels out of a bird feeder is to use a baffle and locate it well. I have two dozen bird feeders in my yard and squirrels do not get into ANY of my feeders! You might think you have to accept squirrels eating at your feeders. But after many years feeding birds, I have found that you don’t have to give into squirrels. You CAN keep squirrels out of bird feeders.
Getting rid of grackles eating seed at bird feeders isn’t easy. Grackles are determined birds. But I have two strategies to get rid of them or at least reduce their visits: Pick the right seed and the right feeder! This is what I do each spring.