Coppola Squirrels and Birds

[3piggles]

After years of using pretty bird feeders the squirrels took over and destroyed as soon as the season got underway, we decided to buy a squirrel-proof feeder. Off to the feed store to check out the selection, and we settled on one with perches that fold down under the squirrels' weight. Hub wanted the one that spun around and sent the squirrel off across the yard, but I vetoed that one. It seems to be working. I have seen the squirrel out on the porch railing, but he can no longer get on the perches, and the feeder is way too big for him to rock with his hind legs and spill out all the seed. The thistle seed feeder is the same old one, as those don't seem to come in squirrel-proof versions, but so far, the squirrels have left it alone. Whew on that, as it has thistle seed and saflower hearts for the small birds. The new, big feeder is full of sunflower seed for the bigger birds.

Chance of snow over night, and the temps have been getting below freezing regularly, so I filled the five suet feeders today, and put them outside for the birds. I hung two with the regular seed feeders, to see if the birds got more than the sqirrels. If not, I will move those two into the bushes. Last year I noticed lots of small birds lived in the evergreen bushes, so I put the suet feeders into the bushes. BIG success. So there are now three inside cozy bushes and two with the feeders. Lots more space for suet feeders inside other cozy bushes, if those by the seed feeders attract a bad crowd!!!

I haven't forgotten the squirrels, and toss seed out on the ground under a small grove of trees away from the bird trees and feeders. That will have to do for the furry outsiders.

This is the new seed feeder: www.duncraft.com/index/page/product/product_id/790/product_name/Droll+Yankees+Whipper+Feeder

And this is the one I didn't let hub get: www.duncraft.com/index/page/product/product_id/66/product_name/Droll+Yankees+Squirrel+Flipper

[lonestarpiggies]

omg, that poor squirrel probably got the shock of his life! Not to mention being a little dizzy - do you think he fell over when he was walking away?

Glad you found a feeder you like. My grandpa was a big bird watcher and I remember sitting on his lap listening to him teach me about the different kinds of birds.

[cavyabbyprincess2]

Do you still get the beautiful Cardinals in the Winter? I just love how they look so bright against the snow.

[3piggles]

We have a pair of Cardinals living in an evergreen bush out front. Their bush gets the suet that is geared for them, and it goes quickly!!! I still hear their song and think it's my pigs wheeking, as they are so close in sound.

My mother always had bird feeders and would teach us about the birds. Sister couldn't care less after she found out the first Grossbeak she saw at our new house wasn't the same last one she saw at our old house. If it didn't follow her all the way across the state, it wasn't worth consideration, lol!!! I thought my mother was die when sister just wrote off all the birds for that reason! I just love to watch them.

Lonestar, you see why I wouldn't let hub get that feeder. We got the one that just drops the perch and the squirrel, so they land on their feet. I will not have squirrels flying off across the yard or walking drunkenly around the porch!