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A Squirrel Baffle Will Win the War Against Squirrels
Tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeders?It’s an age-old problem that’s been around since folks started feeding birds. At first it may be cute, but then you start to realize how much they can eat! Pesky squirrels can consume their weight in birdseed in just one week, times a few squirrels, and that’s a lot of seed. The cost starts to add up. Then besides that aspect, maaaan, they can be destructive! The little critters can gnaw down wooden bird feeders and render them useless. They’ll even chew and enlarge birdhouse entries to accommodate themselves. The whole scenario starts to become absolutely infuriating! And your peaceful, enjoyable bird feeding efforts have turned into a war with squirrels.
A properly placed squirrel baffle is a most effective way to foil squirrels. Especially if you already have a favorite feeder, the one-time cost of this accessory will solve a big problem…for a long time. Ha
nging, post-mount, and even pole mount baffles are available to suit any need. In acrylic, metal and copper, you’ll find that some models are even quite decorative. The most important thing to remember is placement, as squirrels’ acrobatic agility is uncanny. The horizontal launch point – is any object they can jump horizontally from to access the feeder. Make sure the feeder is at least 8-10 feet from any such spot. For a pole or post mounted squirrel baffle, be sure the bottom of the baffle is at least 4-5 feet from the ground.Don’t give up bird feeding because of these pesky critters. Squirrel baffles are fairly inexpensive, and a very effective solution to this aggravating problem.
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Bird Cams are Nature’s Spies
The birds around here are fed daily; the meal worms, the woodpecker mix, the bark butter, the cardinal seed, hummingbird nectar, sunflower hearts, finch mix and thistle seed, drippers and misters, and oh yeah, the squirrels too. This is part of my morning ritual, checking feeders and cleaning bird baths if necessary. Some folks think I’m crazy, but it’s so worth seeing an adult bluebird feeding fledlings mealworms from the bluebird feeder. Mornings seem to be so rushed too, I barely catch a glance here and there of the fabulous activity right outside the kitchen window.So, I’ve devised a new plan, that when I get home and grab some coffee, it’s straight outside to the back deck. Time to sit down and watch the birds who I so routinely feed every single day. Just tonight, it was amazing to see all the species and the cutest babies just learning to use the feeders. Bluebirds, Cardinals, Goldfinches, Titmice, Nuthatches, butterflies, both Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Purple Finches, and Hummingbirds buzzing my head as I was too close to their feeder. It was like a show.
My next plan is a bird cam to catch all this action while I’m gone most of the day. Bird Cams are like nature’s spies, and I want one! Recording much more than the birds, they should call it a Wildlife Cam. They don’t have to be installed in a birdhouse, just set near some busy feeders and they’ll record tons of activity for later viewing. A great show like this shouldn’t be missed!
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Got Finches? Try This Large Nyjer Feeder
If you’re lucky enough to have lots of finches in your backyard, you may be forever filling the nyjer feeder. And now that many young chicks are visiting these feeders too, the the nyjer (or thistle) seed may be going even faster than in the beginning of summer..To the rescue: a Large Capacity Nyjer Feeder with quality construction to last for many seasons of use and enjoyment. This Deluxe Triple Tube Feeder actually holds seven pounds of thistle seed..and that’s a lot of thistle!
Goldfinches and others will frequent a birdbath if offered. This kind of fresh water source is known to entice and attract more feathered friends than any feeders or houses alone.
Remember when their bright plumage fades, Goldfinches will still be around, so be sure to keep nyjer feeders up and filled with fresh seed throughout the year.
…Happy Birding!
Birding Tips, Information & News
