>
> Another question for backyard bird feeder people: other than the various
> 'shields' one can get to hang above a feeder, what method(s) have you
> found to discourage squirrels from eating all the bird seed? We have 4 -
> 5 resident squirrels whom we feed regularly (they come IN the house if
> you open the door, terrorize our cats, and head for the 'peanut bucket'
> to help themselves). We enjoy the squirrels, but wish they wouldn't
> always steal the bird feed. Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Daphne R. Macpherson
> Edmonds, WA
> Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary
>
>
This subject made the rounds on birdCHAT several weeks ago and it seems that
one viable solution was to add powdered Cayenne pepper to the bird seed.
Apparently only mammal pallets are sensative to this spice while birds remain
unaffected. Several persons posted that this technique works well. Having no
squirrels at my feeders, I have not had the chance to test this idea.

Scott Ray SCRAY at DELPHI.COM
209 S. 40th Ave.
Yakima, WA 98908
(509) 965-5456