This winter I discovered a conflict between my seed feeder and my hummingbird feeder. The seed eaters were perching on the hummers' feeder and distressing the 3 Annas who hang out there. So I moved the seed feeder around to the south side of the house and hung it 20 feet up, accessible for refilling by an upstairs window. Everybody was happy for several weeks. Then one day an odd shape caught my eye. A squirrel had climbed up the cedar shake wall of the house and was happily munching the seed as the feeder swayed back and forth in a dramatic fashion. In less than 24 hours, I found feeder lying on the ground, broken, the victim, I believe, of an enthusiastic jump from an overweight squirrel. The squirrel was not harmed, however, as he was immediately back looking for the feeder. The feeder has been retired for the duration. I am not about to apply metal strips to the entire side of my house to deter Mr. S. who is afterall just a rat with a furry tail.

Caroline Feiss
Madrona Neighborhood, Seattle
mailto:cfeiss at halycon.com