Squirrels cleverness in raiding the bird feeder knows no bounds. I tried putting in atop a pole in the back yard, too far from surrounding objects to be used to jump from, Greased the pole (That got hilarious results) and yet eventually they got to the feed.
They won’t waste time searching on the ground for spilled seed. They’ll go to the source, so they can stuff their greedy little mouths full. Then they go to their nest, huck their mouths empty, and come back for more. I have watched 2 squirrels work as a pair – one always at a bird feeder to defend it against other squirrels and birds, the other to empty 5 lbs of seed out in about 20 minutes.
They worked in rotation, one on a trip to the nest, while the other filled its mouth and then made the next trip. Nest was only about 200 feet away, a hole in the trunk of a neighbor’s old apple tree.
I have a lantern-style bird feeder for providing cracked sunflower seeds to the neighborhood house finches. The food gets eaten away from all sides, which leaves a little mound in the center. One of the finches, whom I call “Tappy”, has learned to tap on the plastic side of the feeder, which causes that mound to flatten out and put seed where he can reach it.
Of course, I have to listen to that tap-tap-tap until it annoys me enough to put more seed in the feeder. :)
Husband decided last spring that he wanted to see a hummingbird. He researched (whenever he does anything new he does extensive research first) and we bought the accouterments for him to set up to attract humming birds – twice as he decided the first setup he bought was not good and it was returned unopened.
We never had even one hummingbird. I would have been happy if some squirrel came along and helped himself (though I am guessing they don’t eat sweetened water) just to have something to have come by and helped itself to a snack or meal.
Yakety Sax about 1 month ago
From Not Always Right: A Funny Lark That’s Tough To Swallow
Me: “Raptor rehabilitation, can I help you?”
Caller: “Yes. There’s a hawk swooping down eating the songbirds off of my bird feeder. Is there anything I can do?”
Me: “Well, not really. You can try moving the feeder near a bush where the songbirds can hide.”
Caller: “There are a lot of chipmunks where I live.”
Me: “Yes?”
Caller: “Do you think I can put up a sign telling the hawk to eat the chipmunks instead of the songbirds?”
Me: “I don’t think that will work, sir. Hawks don’t read well.”
Caller: “Oh. I’ll try it anyway.”
(I need to clean and refill my own feeder, but I will have to hang it quite a bit higher: CATS)
DawnQuinn1 about 1 month ago
Yak…if you are going to write a book, contact a publisher. lol
Grace Premium Member about 1 month ago
When our feeders are even near empty, Mrs Squirrel sits on the porch rail and stares at the kitchen window. (We feed critters and birds all winter)
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] about 1 month ago
Most people guard their bird feeders from squirrels(see NON SEQUITUR)——I think “suet” is the thing nowadays—-bird seed glue balls
ladykat about 1 month ago
If you let go of the feeder, birdies, Jimbo will fill it up for you.
xSigoff Premium Member about 1 month ago
Squirrels cleverness in raiding the bird feeder knows no bounds. I tried putting in atop a pole in the back yard, too far from surrounding objects to be used to jump from, Greased the pole (That got hilarious results) and yet eventually they got to the feed.
rasputin's horoscope about 1 month ago
I used to have a comprehensive all-in-one wildlife feeder: birds, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, possums, my kitchen garden fed them all.
daleandkristen about 1 month ago
Similar theme today on Sherman’s Lagoon.
crazeekatlady about 1 month ago
My birds outside get fed once a day. In 15 minutes they eat the entire feeder ful then go scavenging for cat food.
Doug K about 1 month ago
They also learn from the birds: (Since) birds to eat off the ground, it should be okay for them to eat off the floor.
SrTechWriter about 1 month ago
Squirrels are smart.
They won’t waste time searching on the ground for spilled seed. They’ll go to the source, so they can stuff their greedy little mouths full. Then they go to their nest, huck their mouths empty, and come back for more. I have watched 2 squirrels work as a pair – one always at a bird feeder to defend it against other squirrels and birds, the other to empty 5 lbs of seed out in about 20 minutes.
They worked in rotation, one on a trip to the nest, while the other filled its mouth and then made the next trip. Nest was only about 200 feet away, a hole in the trunk of a neighbor’s old apple tree.
M.K.Staffeld about 1 month ago
Where’s the toy? Where’s the toy?
eddi-TBH about 1 month ago
If you guys will let go, Jimbo will give you seconds.
mistercatworks about 1 month ago
I have a lantern-style bird feeder for providing cracked sunflower seeds to the neighborhood house finches. The food gets eaten away from all sides, which leaves a little mound in the center. One of the finches, whom I call “Tappy”, has learned to tap on the plastic side of the feeder, which causes that mound to flatten out and put seed where he can reach it.
Of course, I have to listen to that tap-tap-tap until it annoys me enough to put more seed in the feeder. :)
mafastore 30 days ago
Husband decided last spring that he wanted to see a hummingbird. He researched (whenever he does anything new he does extensive research first) and we bought the accouterments for him to set up to attract humming birds – twice as he decided the first setup he bought was not good and it was returned unopened.
We never had even one hummingbird. I would have been happy if some squirrel came along and helped himself (though I am guessing they don’t eat sweetened water) just to have something to have come by and helped itself to a snack or meal.
He was very disappointed.