Subject: [Tweeters] Re: Discouraging Squirrels
Date: Jun 16 08:18:47 2008
From: Christine Southwick - clsouth at u.washington.edu


I have thrown away more "squirrel-proof" feeders than I care to count.

After many trials and cuss words later, I have three set-ups that work.

One is a four-armed pole feeder with a racoon baffle below. I keep the branches trimmed on the nearest tree, and I found that I had to use feeders that didn't hang down too low. That set-up works so well that I have taken the "cage" away from the sunflower feeder so that the grosbeaks can use it.

The second feeder set-up I have also has a raccon baffle (its just like the "pipe" squirrel baffle, but it is larger in diameter and longer). I have seen some very frustated squirrels trying to figure this one out :) . I have two suet feeders on this set-up. One in a "starling-proof" [does seem to live up to its name]cage feeder, the other is a hanging suet feeder that right now a single crow (at least I think it is the same crow) seems to think is just right for snacks. It will peck at it and then eat off the ground. It can't get very much at a time. If I see it, I run it off; otherwise I figure the woodpeckers it brings in is worth the occasional crow.

The third set up has an "after-the-fact squirrel baffle. It is one that "wraps" around a 4x4. After a squirrel had destroyed a feeder, I bought this baffle. It works very effectively--I have nothing nearby that a squirrel can jump from. I have a hanging suet on this four hanger feeder too, but the location must be too near the house for the crow's comfort.

So, in my humble experience, placement, with a good baffle, is the most important.

Christine Southwick
N Seattle/Shoreline
clsouthwick at comcast.net


On Mon, 16 Jun 2008 mechejmch at aol.com wrote:

> Squirrels don't know the meaning of discouragement. They live to figure out how to get into?our feeders. If you look closely, high up in the trees, you'll see them wearing little hard hats and engineering boots, perusing plans and?devising new techniques to get on our nerves and get to?the food that they think we've put out for them. They're relentless and readily accept the challenge at hand. It's what they do.
>
> I have video of a flying squirrel that?was a regular visitor at?my second-floor window feeder after dark.?The closest tree was a tall cedar about 30' from the house, and he obviously?figured out the?flight path, thrust, drag, etc. He was a frequent flyer?who earned his meals, and he was a cute little bugger, too.
>
> Do you?think "squirrel-proof bird feeder" might be an oxymoron?
>
> Cheers,
> Joe Meche
> Bellingham
>
>
>
>
>

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