My mom lived in Paradise CA and had this problem. Anything birds can manipulate, most squirrels can too, except they can't literally fly or peck. She tried 5 different feeder designs and the squirrels all got to them.
One solution is cage suet feeders. Squirrels can't peck into them.
Another is throwing out enough seed / feed on the ground over a large enough area so that a variety of critters can get access. Crows, finches, jays, wild turkeys, and deer would feed at the same time.
Yet another solution is to place a tree feeder on top of a greased pole away from trees so squirrels can't jump down to it or climb up it.
Bird baths or other fresh water sources that are kept from producing mosquitoes larva are also good.
The other critters of concern in the area were red foxes, vultures, hawks, and black bear.
One solution is cage suet feeders. Squirrels can't peck into them.
Another is throwing out enough seed / feed on the ground over a large enough area so that a variety of critters can get access. Crows, finches, jays, wild turkeys, and deer would feed at the same time.
Yet another solution is to place a tree feeder on top of a greased pole away from trees so squirrels can't jump down to it or climb up it.
Bird baths or other fresh water sources that are kept from producing mosquitoes larva are also good.
The other critters of concern in the area were red foxes, vultures, hawks, and black bear.