A wild bird feeder can bring much enjoyment when placed in the landscape. But then come those pesky little squirrels. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy watching them. So does my 18 month old Golden Retriever. Now that the squirrels are getting very busy, Jerzey is enchanted with them. He spends a good part of his day standing up at the window and watching them with frantic excitement.
When I open the door to let him out, he has become very crafty, and goes out slowly....as if they can't spot him...and then off he goes! The only thing he hasn't figured out is that they go up the trees. He just kind of looks around....huh?
But I digress. I don't mind if the squirrels have a little bird seed. I mean I know they have to eat too. However, let them feed off the ground and not from the bird feeders, scaring the birds away.
There are various bird feeders that have surfaced lately that are squirrel proof. In addition, there are items to buy to deter the squirrels from reaching regular bird feeders.
One such squirrel proof bird feeder is a tube or cylinder with a wire cage around it. The birds can get to the seed, but the squirrels cannot. The openings in the cage are too small for the squirrel to access the seed. They might try, but will not succeed.
Other types have a bottom ring which is motorized. The weight of the squirrel activates it and caused the ring to either spin or flip, causing the squirrel to either be tossed or spun around. There are some online videos showing it in action. It's pretty comical.
You can also purchase a baffle. If your bird feeder is, for example, hanging from a tree on a chain, the baffle, which is a large plastic dome, is placed above the feeder. When a squirrel jumps on the feeder from the tree, he slides off. I have used one of these on a long tube feeder for years and it works great. There is also the added advantage that the baffle protects the birds from rain and snow.
If you have a pole bird feeder, the baffle should be attached to the pole below the feeder. The baffle should be a minimum of 17 inches in diameter. This deters the squirrels from climbing up the pole. Once they reach the baffle, they have nowhere to go. Some squirrels can figure things out, but I have been lucky with this type also.
Squirrels are very persistent and determined. They will probably try quite a few times before they give up. Keeping the feeders a minimum of ten feet away from convenient jumping places is helpful, although squirrels can jump huge distances.
When I fill my bird feeders, I purposely get a little sloppy and let some fall to the ground. This is really for the Cardinals, but the squirrels eat it too. I really don't mind. I actually enjoy watching them...to a point.
About the Author
Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. You can read about more landscaping ideas at her site: http://www.landscape-design-advice.com
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