Squirrels aren’t all that bright, but they ARE very persistent. We’ve created a very squirrel resistant bird feeder system (basically, we use rat-guards on two posts that hold up a horizontal pole, which in turn holds the feeders too high from the ground for the little rodents to jump. And far enough from the trees, too.
Spouse, feeling sorry for the squirrels then insisted that we add some feeders just for them. And use the “good food” in the trays, too. Fortunately, I don’t have to understand how she thinks, just get along with the results.
My condo community just passed a new rule forbidding bird feeders. We’ve spent over thirty years trying to have a balance between feeding the birds and feeding the squirrels and we’ve finally just given up.
I got ‘flipper’ Droll Yankees bird feeders on a pole, and use ‘hot’ bird seed for my ground feeders. The squirrels only get peanuts. Life is good for my birds. Now….about those d**n invasive non-American sparrows….grrr.
We have a fence toward the back of our yard. It was originally part of a deck that surrounded our above ground pool. The pool is gone and so is the deck but I kept the far frame which consists of three 2×12 beams nailed together and supported by 6×6 posts that raise up roughly 3 feet from the ground. On top of this I have erected six 4 foot metal poles originally designed for hanging plants and hang bird feeders from them. At one end we bought a special pole with a four point crown that we hang feeders from. It also has an arm that can hold a few more feeders and finally lower down there are two smaller arms that support trays. Every morning my wife goes out and tops up the feeders with bird seed and the trays with bird seed, sunflower seeds and peanuts. She even scatters a bunch of seed and nuts on the ground.
We love to sit out in the morning drinking our coffees and watching the variety of birds, squirrels, chipmunks and bunnies as they feast and chase each other around usually with hilarious comic relief. At beer o’clock we sit out with the dog (see my avatar) and cat have a few drinks and marvel at nature’s creatures. I can’t think of a better way to start and end our day.
allen@home about 3 years ago
Must have taking metal shop at squirrel school.
Concretionist about 3 years ago
Squirrels aren’t all that bright, but they ARE very persistent. We’ve created a very squirrel resistant bird feeder system (basically, we use rat-guards on two posts that hold up a horizontal pole, which in turn holds the feeders too high from the ground for the little rodents to jump. And far enough from the trees, too.
Spouse, feeling sorry for the squirrels then insisted that we add some feeders just for them. And use the “good food” in the trays, too. Fortunately, I don’t have to understand how she thinks, just get along with the results.
pschearer Premium Member about 3 years ago
My condo community just passed a new rule forbidding bird feeders. We’ve spent over thirty years trying to have a balance between feeding the birds and feeding the squirrels and we’ve finally just given up.
John Wiley Premium Member about 3 years ago
Mark Rober does battle (gently) with the squirrels on these YouTube documentaries…
https://youtu.be/hFZFjoX2cGg
https://youtu.be/DTvS9lvRxZ8
He also occasionally dispatches Porch Pirates and Phone scammers with his GlitterBomb.
Lee26 Premium Member about 3 years ago
I got ‘flipper’ Droll Yankees bird feeders on a pole, and use ‘hot’ bird seed for my ground feeders. The squirrels only get peanuts. Life is good for my birds. Now….about those d**n invasive non-American sparrows….grrr.
Michael G. about 3 years ago
Look up Mark Rober on You Tube!
Doug Taylor Premium Member about 3 years ago
We have a fence toward the back of our yard. It was originally part of a deck that surrounded our above ground pool. The pool is gone and so is the deck but I kept the far frame which consists of three 2×12 beams nailed together and supported by 6×6 posts that raise up roughly 3 feet from the ground. On top of this I have erected six 4 foot metal poles originally designed for hanging plants and hang bird feeders from them. At one end we bought a special pole with a four point crown that we hang feeders from. It also has an arm that can hold a few more feeders and finally lower down there are two smaller arms that support trays. Every morning my wife goes out and tops up the feeders with bird seed and the trays with bird seed, sunflower seeds and peanuts. She even scatters a bunch of seed and nuts on the ground.
We love to sit out in the morning drinking our coffees and watching the variety of birds, squirrels, chipmunks and bunnies as they feast and chase each other around usually with hilarious comic relief. At beer o’clock we sit out with the dog (see my avatar) and cat have a few drinks and marvel at nature’s creatures. I can’t think of a better way to start and end our day.
Zen-of-Zinfandel about 3 years ago
No more spin rides on the feeder.
WCraft Premium Member about 3 years ago
I guess he prefers his grains roasted…
cuzinron47 about 3 years ago
It’s been getting instruction from the wee tricksy beasties on Dog Eat Doug.