That’s where shepherd’s hook bird feeders come in. These sturdy poles let you hang feeders anywhere in your yard while keeping them off the ground and (hopefully) out of reach of squirrels.

Colin Woodard: I think the average person imagines a pirate with a hook for a hand, a great big floppy hat, a blue waistcoat, and maybe even a peg leg, with a parrot on his shoulder. This ...