To Catch a Thief
Squirrels are adorable, furry little creatures. Fun to watch in their natural habitat, squirrels are resourceful, determined, and brave-all the qualities of a good thief. Feeding squirrels at the park can be a relaxing pastime. Tempted with nuts, seeds, and even French fries, the little rodents will bravely come within a few feet of enthralled humans. However, the cute little scavengers are the bane of a bird's existence. Before the birds can enjoy a pleasant repast, the squirrels will take all the seeds, nuts, and grain to store for the winter. After all, why work hard to provide for the long winter months, when a kind-hearted birdwatcher leaves goodies for the taking. Other than giving in, and providing ample food for the birds and scavengers, purchasing or making squirrel-proof feeders is the only answer.
To fix the common problem, manufacturers have developed the ultimate in squirrel deterring feeders. The feeder is a standard hopper feeder, with an added surprise. As always, when the birds hop onto the perch, the feeder automatically dispenses more seeds, grains, or nuts. The birds can eat their fill and flit away. However, when the squirrels perch on the feeder, their own weight activates the deterring device. A battery-powered mechanism flips the perch up, and sends the squirrels literally flying through the air. Although persistent, the pesky little varmints will be tossed off the perch with every attempt at thievery. Hopefully, the squirrels will eventually learn the futility of their efforts and scavenger seeds elsewhere.
Another option for discouraging a cunning thief is the rotating tube. Between feeders is a slick tube, much like a toilet paper dispenser. When the squirrel tries to cross the tube, to reach the feeder, the slick tube begins to rotate, and the hapless little creature is unable to maintain a sure footing. Unless the squirrel is an acrobat with sticky feet, the tube will cause the squirrel to fall to the ground. Thus a series of birdfeeders, with connecting tubes may be the answer to persistent thieves.
For the kinder birdwatcher, freefalling squirrels may seem a little harsh. After all, they are so cute! Thus, other scavenger-proof methods may work equally well. For example, some feeders are built with a cage covering. The birds can still munch the seeds, but the metal openings are too small for even the tiniest of paws. Thus, the birds can eat, and the squirrels can go climb another tree.
Speaking of trees, avoid placing feeders too close to structures, trees, or bushes. Squirrels are very agile and daring. Unless the feeders are placed at least 5-10 feet away, the acrobats will jump to the seeds and stuff their little cheeks to the brim. Another trick is to place the feeders, on a pole, at least 5 feet off the ground. The pole will be difficult for the squirrels to grasp, and the birds will be left in peace.
A baffle, or dome, is another deterrent for persistent little paws. Placed strategically above the feeder, the dome provides shelter for the birds, and an insurmountable obstacle for the squirrel. The surface is simply too slick to maintain a good grip. When the squirrel attempts to crawl over and around the baffle, he will probably slide to the ground. Otherwise, he will simply be stuck, trying to figure out how to move under the obstruction and reach the seeds.
Although squirrels are adorable and fun to watch, the little scavengers frustrate many birdwatchers. Unless the person wants to buy enough seed for the entire neighborhood, squirrel-proofing the feeders is the only reasonable plan. Options include: strategically placing the feeders far from any jumping off point, grouping the feeders with connecting rotating tubes, placing the feeders on 5 foot poles, caging the feeders, or investing in a launching hopper feeder.
Even though some ideas seem a harsh, the squirrels are not hurt, and the birds are left in peace. So, unless you want to catch the little thieves eating the birds out of house and home, have squirrel-proof feeders.
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Another option for discouraging a cunning thief is the rotating tube. Between feeders is a slick tube, much like a toilet paper dispenser. When the squirrel tries to cross the tube, to reach the feeder, the slick tube begins to rotate, and the hapless little creature is unable to maintain a sure footing. Unless the squirrel is an acrobat with sticky feet, the tube will cause the squirrel to fall to the ground. Thus a series of birdfeeders, with connecting tubes may be the answer to persistent thieves.
For the kinder birdwatcher, freefalling squirrels may seem a little harsh. After all, they are so cute! Thus, other scavenger-proof methods may work equally well. For example, some feeders are built with a cage covering. The birds can still munch the seeds, but the metal openings are too small for even the tiniest of paws. Thus, the birds can eat, and the squirrels can go climb another tree.
Speaking of trees, avoid placing feeders too close to structures, trees, or bushes. Squirrels are very agile and daring. Unless the feeders are placed at least 5-10 feet away, the acrobats will jump to the seeds and stuff their little cheeks to the brim. Another trick is to place the feeders, on a pole, at least 5 feet off the ground. The pole will be difficult for the squirrels to grasp, and the birds will be left in peace.
A baffle, or dome, is another deterrent for persistent little paws. Placed strategically above the feeder, the dome provides shelter for the birds, and an insurmountable obstacle for the squirrel. The surface is simply too slick to maintain a good grip. When the squirrel attempts to crawl over and around the baffle, he will probably slide to the ground. Otherwise, he will simply be stuck, trying to figure out how to move under the obstruction and reach the seeds.
Although squirrels are adorable and fun to watch, the little scavengers frustrate many birdwatchers. Unless the person wants to buy enough seed for the entire neighborhood, squirrel-proofing the feeders is the only reasonable plan. Options include: strategically placing the feeders far from any jumping off point, grouping the feeders with connecting rotating tubes, placing the feeders on 5 foot poles, caging the feeders, or investing in a launching hopper feeder.
Even though some ideas seem a harsh, the squirrels are not hurt, and the birds are left in peace. So, unless you want to catch the little thieves eating the birds out of house and home, have squirrel-proof feeders.
Do you want to use this article? Well you can as long as you do not edit or delete the resource box. Click Here to download.