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I think it's possible that my new squirrel-proof bird feeders, well, are not. As in not squirrel-proof.
First, let me share that I received two squirrel-proof bird feeders for my birthday back in January. It was an item on my "Wish List," and I have to say I'm enjoying having these feeders outside my office window more than I even thought I would.
It's created a whole new party and set of friends who stop by while I'm busy inspiring the world. I get a kick out the Hairy Woodpecker who stops by to go through the birdseed mix like an unrefined party guest picking the cashews out of your nut bowl. As soon as he perches on the feeder, he burrows his head in the opening and goes crazy spraying seed all over the place until he finds the exact seed he was hoping for. And when he does he flies off to enjoy his prize, not giving a moment's thought to the mess he left below.
Some of my new friends have no problem with that. The bright red male cardinal can't be bothered to fly up to the feeder, preferring to pick up scraps down below. His female partner is less brilliantly colored but more particular as she does fly up to the perch while her guy waits down below.
And then there are the squirrels. We already are on shaky ground, the squirrels and I, as they are eating the siding off my house. That's actually a blog entry for another day, but if anyone has any ideas about what I can do about that, I'd love to hear it, since the fellas at Varmit Control just kinda shrugged their shoulders. "Guess you'll just have to fix it, then let them chew it," they suggested. "Fix it. Chew it. Fix it Chew it."
I specifically requested squirrel-proof feeders because I didn't feel like doing those bushy-tailed terrorists any favors and squirrels are shameless and will eat you out of house and bird seed without any apologies.
This particular bird feeder is supposed to work because it is spring-loaded. When a light little birdie sits on the perch, no problem. But if a squirrel jumps on, the added weight is supposed to pull the outer cage down, shutting off the opening of the feeder.
So check out what these crazy, yet cunning creatures have figured out. I present Exhibit A:
They scurry up the pole, anchor their back feet, and reach over with their little front paws. With that slight amount of pressure, the feeder doesn't know if it's a squirrel or a tiny Carolina chickadee that stopped by for a nosh.
And forget about scaring them off. I've taken to opening the window and encouraging them to scamper off. That is not very effective, as they look me straight in the eye and say something very nasty to me in their native tongue. Yes, I believe I've been called some very bad words in Squirrelese.
Not the most inspiring of blog entries, I admit. Yet, I must score one for the squirrels---They are fitting the theme of this website, "Show The World What's Possible!" As they show It's Possible to outsmart squirrel-proof technology.
Any suggestions? Drop me a line at Daryn@DarynKagan.com.
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