Bird Watching/feeding Fans....antics with squirrels.

restrangled

I have spent numerous hours trying to outwit the squirrels. I thought I had them licked with my own invention. I had a 10 foot 1 inch metal pole that I greased with silicone, that I placed between a tree branch and a 6 foot fence. I then added 6, 1 foot empty paint rollers with plastic interiors on the pole. In between I hung the bird feeders.

It was a laugh a minute as the squirrels spun off the rollers, or tried to hang down by their back legs on the pole and loose their grip.

I have been battling 7 squirrels, the biggest male finally figured out the distance jump to one he could attach himself to avoiding the greased pole and paint rollers. To get even he chewed through the wire, dropping the entire feeder to the ground and took off with the top of it.

So to get even I ordered one of these: (Hang with it, you'll be cracking up.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8YZIhlWpS0&feature=related18:10:30

r.

AK - Jeff

Funny video!

We have several feeders, but our little area has few squirrels. So we never have the problems mentioned by you or the video.

We have recently attracted a new variety to our oriole feeder - an orchard oriole - I had never heard of the species until I had to research what it was. Today we saw the first Baltimore Oriole of the season on it. We feed golden finches and hummers too. In the winter we feed red-bellied and downey woodpeckers and cardinals, bluejays, junkos, chickadees. Doves are always around too.

Thankfully no squirrels - but in the winter we have whitetail deer that pop the top off of our one feeder and eat the grain. I see them often out our picture window at 0230 as I prepare to head off to work.

Fun, ain't it?

Jeff

restrangled

Hi Jeff,

It is so much fun, isn't it?. Here in Florida, and especially where I am located, we are the top 5 in the nation for reporting various birds. I have Pileated woodpeckers, hawks, kites, Ibis, various Storks and Bald Eagles and I spotted a pair of the strangest birds I am still unable to identify.....My heart was racing thinking it might be the Ivory Billed Woodpecker....as it fit the description to a tee, but I didn't have field glasses.

On my fence at this time a year, sit baby cardinals, and Red bellied Woodpeckers, the parents come to the feeders and then feed their little darlings.

I had 3 baby Blue Jays in my back yard, .....I went to help them and the parent's dive bombed me. Sadly, one hopped into the pool and drowned.

Cornell University has a great site on birds, and I just joined to do the great backyard birdwatch starting this fall. You can look up your local area by zipcode and see all the birds sighted in your area for 2008.

Happy bird watching!

r

Finally-Free

That looks like it's almost as much fun as greasing the pole with a mixture of vasaline and cayenne.

W

restrangled

Finally free, .....I had more fun watching those squirrels slipping on "Pledge" than I care to admidt.

I raised an African Grey parrot that was my absolute pal, so I feel a connection to birds. He was my best pal for many years until I lost him to some idiot, who came into the screened pool area and scared him to death, leaving the door open. He was not expected, and my bird paniced while I was gone.

"Doobie Doo" disappeared, and I have watched for him since.....15 years.

r.

lavendar

Hi!

I LOVE feeding the birds and watching them! We have Indigo Buntings, Tufted Titmouse, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, Goldfinches, chickadees, Grosbeeks....and I saw our FIRST Baltimore Oriole the other day, too!

I have a terrible problem with those pesky squirrels as well! They can clean out the feeders in a matter of hours! So, like you....I ordered a Yankee Flipper several days ago; and it should be here any day. I can't WAIT to put it up and watch the squirrels go flyin'!!!!

There is also a squirrel repellent product on the market that I'd like to try, as well. I saw it in a catalog called Home Trends.

Have fun!!

restrangled

Lavender......My flip the squirrel feeder is arriving tomorrow. Lets's compare notes on this! Please stay in touch!

r.

lavendar

Okay!

I'm gonna put black oil sunflower seeds in mine. I found a great source for the seed! FIFTY pounds for $17.99! As compared to WallyWorld that has TEN pound bags for $30.00!!

restrangled

Lavender,

I don't know where you are located but I already have the black oil sunflower seeds and decided to try.....

Hartz, Cockatiel and other small hookbill gourmet diet.....a huge hit with all birds......BUT THE MOST POPULAR HAS BEEN A BAG OF

PRE HULLED STUFF AT WALLMART. I threw the bag out so don't have the name, I will be going back this week and let you know.

The birds were so happy.....along with the greedy squirrels!

r.

lavendar

Restrangled -- I'll have to look for that one too. It's nice to be able to attract ALL varieties of birds. I just LOVE them!!

PS: that would be so awesome if your Doobie-Doo found his way back home to you.

Bird Watching/feeding Fans....antics with squirrels.

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