Does a giant bird seed catcher exist?

I have various bird feeders hanging off a single pole in the grass. I was thinking there must be a device, like an upside down umbrella, that goes around the pole to collect all the seed that gets flung out- and stops it growing in the soil. I know you can buy 'no grow' seed, but is there such a device to catch it all?

 

We created one from a large plastic pot “saucer”. The pigeons and jackdaws loved it. Just the job.

 

This is a good thread. I mounted my bird feeder onto a bird table I made but it is getting old and doesn't want to stay level. I think I'm going try try one of those saucer sleds that kids use.

 

Much easier in the long run to use a no mess mix, and much more aesthetically pleasing.
It may seem more expensive, but it does what it says on the tin 99% of the time. Anything minor that does germinate is easy to remove. The ordinary mixes are bulked out with wheat etc, so they're also less beneficial to many birds.

 

Some great ideas, thank you. @shiney Something like that plastic thing, but larger, would be great and I'm looking at the no mess seed you linked. Thank you.

 

An upside down squirrel baffler could turn into a squirrel buffet if you have them in your garden @My Clay Jungle .

 

We don't have those "no mess" mixes here. As I said, my bird table worked because it was large enough that the squirrels couldn't hold the pole with one paw and reach the edge of the table to swing themselves up but to me, a large saucer as @Tidemark mentioned but would be a great replacement.

Not everyone can afford the posh mix either. Even if it were even available here. My birds get bargain food, the same economic standard as what I eat!

 

Our bird feeder is made of thinnish black metal poles. The squirrels can climb them and even circumvent the seed catching saucer - unless we Vaseline the poles.

 

@Plantminded We do get squirrels in the garden, but strangely, rarely on the bird feeder. They seem more intent on nibbling off my sunflower heads and carting them off along the fence!

 

I just use sunflower hearts, you only get seed growing when the mix contains stuff birds dont eat.

 

I decided to rework my old bird table undermount to get rid of the wobble which was why a was going to trash it. After drilling holes in the bird feeder pan, I used long bolts , washers, etc to secure the table. The edges are a bit ragged but it is only pvc.

 

Wow - that's a very expensive mix @shiney! I use this one
https://www.gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk/everyday-no-grow-mix-2-5-12-55-25-and-50kg.html

I used to get the fancier one they do, but I noticed there was more wheat in it the last time, so swapped to that one instead. Been very good. They also sell the Gardman one, which is also really good.

I only use that mix and sunflower hearts, plus various fat balls etc in winter.