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I'm in South Central Michigan...so we're pretty close to the same latitude.  I had several last week and went through a couple refillings of my feeder.   Have seen none so far this week but will keep it fresh for any stragglers.   Have you changed yours recently.....perhaps the mix is off a little with evaporation?  ...

Plus it's taking nyjer seed........I've never had anything other than finches taking Nyjer..........well....except for my house sparrows when I'm gone for too long and wife forgets to fill ''their'' feeder...LOL

Regardless of molt or parasites.......I'd probably give my feeders a good scrubbing next time you refill.  Maybe a bit overkill but it's never a bad thing to clean the feeders.

It has the darker head and upper body of a phoebe...also has less defined wingbars and lower bill is dark whereas the pewee has a yellowish lower bill.   Phoebe

When they fly, the crest is usually retracted.....cool to have buzzing your pond....hopefully you see it catch something!!

I've had squirrels chow down on shelled sunflower seeds in my feeders...don't know why they wouldn't hit them there.   They also seem to enjoy ears of corn.....they do make corn feeders...like this one.....but can't guarantee your birds won't go for it....however have never seen a bird get into it when there is seed ...

Not sure I can help with the issue of a bird proof squirrel feeder.   I can offer insight on attracting jays though.   The jays should be curious of your feeders if they are seeing other birds there.  Odds are you haven't offered anything they've liked thus far.  Try using peanuts......preferably whole ...

I agree  ...Phoebe.   Check the call on this page.   You have undoubtedly heard their distinctive call in the area    http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/682/_/Eastern_Phoebe.aspx

I agree.  I am having a hard time with the Starling ID.  To me it's more of the overall shape of the bird rather than the coloring.  It has a pidgeon-esque look to it   The bill color appears rather dark and the eyes just don't seem to be in the right spot for a Starling.  But I am very open to be wrong......I've been ...

I'd have to agree that its a greater yellow legs.....juvenile with the whitish side.