I didn't think I would have to worry about Squirrels in Pueblo West. We've lived here 9 years, I spotted my first one 2 years ago, and now they've finally found the feeder. I hope it is at least dropping enough seed to make it worth while for the quail at the base of the feeder.
Isn't it amazing how these pesty critters can find seed? We're currently chasing off two of them from our feeders and one of my dogs is always on guard to chase them off-it doesn't help either.
Next time you fill the feeder, put some cayenne pepper in with the seeds. Birds won't taste it, but squirrels sure will.
They won't be back for a while. Re-peat as necessary.
Hack
Now all we need is a something for Starlings. lol
After the squirrel left, I expected the starlings to show up. The feral doves showed up instead. We have ring-necked turtle doves, native to pet stores, and before that Africa. You wouldn't think that they would naturalize in Colorado, but their numbers have been increasing every year. They make two sounds, cooing like a dove and a hacking caw like a crow (guess which sound I hear more often).
We have ring-necked turtle doves, native to pet stores, and before that Africa. You wouldn't think that they would naturalize in Colorado, but their numbers have been increasing every year. They make two sounds, cooing like a dove and a hacking caw like a crow (guess which sound I hear more often).
Thanks for the ID - I forgot who told me that they were African, I think I may have read it in the local newspaper. Being Eurasian would certainly explain their hardiness. They don't seem to compete directly with the Mourning doves since they have slightly different habitat preferences - but like the Starlings, they compete with all the seed eaters in general.
