Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 75

The Verdict

The war between backyard birders and squirrels is eternal. Most feeders surrender within a month — either the squirrels chew through the plastic, or the weight mechanism jams and traps birds. The Woodlink Absolute II Model 75 is different, and after reading through 225 ratings at 4.5 stars, the consensus is clear: this thing actually works.

What You’re Actually Getting

The Absolute II is a large-capacity hopper feeder that holds a serious 12 pounds of seed. That’s not a typo. Most tube feeders hold 2-4 pounds; this one holds a full bag. The body is heavy-gauge steel with a baked enamel finish — no flimsy plastic anywhere in the frame. The seed ports are clear plastic tubes that slide down when the perch is triggered.

The weight-activated mechanism is the star. Perches are calibrated to close when anything heavier than a chickadee or finch lands. Squirrels and larger birds like grackles get the port shut in their face. It’s a simple, mechanical solution — no batteries, no springs to fail.

Real-World Performance

Setting it up takes about five minutes. You’ll need a pole or a sturdy hanging location. As one buyer noted, “Hanging it from a tree branch works, but a 4x4 post is better — it’s substantial when full.” That’s worth repeating: this feeder weighs over 15 pounds loaded. A thin shepherd’s hook will sag.

The seed capacity is the feature you’ll appreciate most. Refills go from every-other-day to every-10-days or so, depending on your bird traffic. The flip-top lid makes filling easy — it hinges open fully and stays put while you pour.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The squirrel resistance is why people buy this, and it delivers. “I’ve watched squirrels climb all over it for an hour and get zero seed,” one reviewer wrote. “They finally gave up and went to the neighbor’s feeder.” That’s the outcome everyone wants.

Build quality gets consistent praise too. Multiple buyers mention leaving it out year-round through snow, rain, and heat without visible wear. The baked enamel finish holds up far better than powder-coated alternatives in the same price range.

Where It Falls Short

Honesty requires the caveats. The seed ports are plastic, and a determined squirrel can chew through them if given enough time. This isn’t a jail; it’s a deterrent. Most squirrels give up, but the ones that don’t will eventually cause damage.

The lack of drainage holes in the base tray is a genuine oversight. Rain can collect in the bottom, and wet seed spoils quickly. You’ll want to mount this where it gets some overhead protection, or plan to dump standing water after heavy storms. That said, the seed stays dry inside the hopper itself, so the issue is limited to the tray area.

Medium and large birds like cardinals and blue jays can struggle with the perch mechanism at first. The ports close when they land, and they have to learn to perch lightly. Most figure it out within a few days, but expect some confused flapping early on.

Who Should Buy This

• The frustrated birder who’s already gone through two or three cheap feeders that squirrels destroyed.
• The low-maintenance host who wants to refill weekly, not daily, and wants a feeder that survives winter without cracking.
• The pole-mount user — this feeder shines on a 4x4 post or sturdy deck railing. Skip it if you only have thin hanging hooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this keep out big birds like crows and grackles? A: Yes, mostly. The perch closes for anything over roughly 4 ounces, which includes grackles and jays. Smaller birds like chickadees, finches, and titmice can feed normally. Crows can’t land on it without closing the ports.

Q: Does the mechanism jam or stick over time? A: Rarely, per most reviews. The sliding ports are gravity-fed, so they’re less prone to jamming than spring-loaded designs. Keeping the track clean of seed debris helps. One reviewer reported needing to wipe the ports clean after a year of continuous use.

Q: Can I use it with sunflower seeds and mixed seed? A: Yes. The ports are sized for black-oil sunflower and standard mixed seed. Avoid tiny seeds like millet or nyjer — they’ll spill through the port openings.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a heavy-duty feeder that actually deters squirrels, holds a massive amount of seed, and will still be standing in five years. The weight mechanism works, the build is solid, and the capacity is genuinely useful.

Skip it if you need a lightweight hanging feeder, have a guaranteed squirrel population with nothing else to do, or can’t provide a sturdy mount. Those are the only scenarios where this falls short.

At 4.6 out of 5, the Woodlink Absolute II is one of the best squirrel-resistant feeders on the market. It’s not perfect — the plastic ports and missing drainage prove that — but for most backyard birders, it ends the war. That’s worth the price of admission.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.