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When Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Quit
Around my yard there are enough squirrels for a football game. Although I do feed them, every single bird feeder and birdhouse is protected by a baffle. Whether hanging, or pole mounted, the baffles pretty much ensure these are squirrel proof bird feeders.The feeder set up shown at left has run into a small problem this season. There is a butterfly bush behind it that has grown twice it’s size from last year. Now my little crafty squirrels have figured out how to shimmey on out to the end of the thicker branches and leap to the feeders.
It’s pretty funny watching them, but not so funny having to fill the feeders every single day. So in this case, the squirrel proof bird feeders have quit being squirrel-proof due to landscaping growth.
The best plan? Relocate this pole to a spot where squirrels can not launch from any landscaping!
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Don’t Touch That Window Hummingbird Feeder!
Wild bird migrations are one of those pretty amazing feats of nature. Instinct is so keen, it’s what keeps birds alive. Hummingbirds don’t begin their long journey just because the temperatures start to drop. It is the dwindling hours of daylight that signals them it’s time to go.Many Ruby Throats are mobbing feeders right now, furiously drinking as much as they can in preparation for the long trip to South and Central America. How these tiny birds manage to fly so far is beyond me? The other pretty amazing thing is that hummingbirds practice site fidelity. Which means if they find a friendly yard with food, shelter and moving water, you can bet they’ll be back next season.
The show at our window hummingbird feeder right now is spectacular! There’s hardly a moment throughout the day where it’s not occupied. Constant feeding (and fighting) has been going on for a about two weeks. If you have nectar feeders, especially a window hummingbird feeder, be sure to keep it filled with fresh nectar for the next few weeks. Even if you think your hummers have left for the season, many that are traveling from further north of you are likely to stop by and fuel up! Be on the lookout for the occasional flying jewel, your efforts will be well rewarded.
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Leave Hummingbird Feeders Up!
Hummingbirds are feeding like crazy right now, fattening up and getting ready for the big migration back to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. Feeders seem busier than ever with almost frantic activity at our place.Because of the heat, sugar water is changed every two days, so filling the larger hummingbird feeders is almost pointless. Eighty pounds of sugar were used to feed our local hummer population this season…and that’s a lot of nectar!
If you don’t make your own nectar-give it a try before the season’s over. Hummingbirds really seem to prefer the simple sugar water solution, and it saves money too.
The recipe: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water…that’s it! No red dye necessary. Use plain white table sugar and nothing else as it will harm hummers. You don’t even need to boil the water as microorganisms and bacteria are actually spread through the bird’s beaks on the feeder ports. We boil 1 cup of water, simply to help dissolve the sugar more effectively. And contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds will not “stay” if you leave feeders up – Mother Nature tells them when it’s time to go!
Birding Tips, Information & News