This is a new one for us this year. . . .we have a continuing battle of wits with some squirrels (furry birds) who insist that sunflower seeds and suet are for them. But, a couple of times lately I've looked out to see one of the thieves sucking on the humming bird feeder!!! Wish those feisty little feathered ones would zap the squirrels with their needle-like beaks!
Any suggestions? Or do I have to string all bird feeders from wire strung between a couple of trees? That has been a successful treatment so far for the suet and sunflower seeds.
We even got a 'squirrel proof' suet feeder only to find a raccoon sitting on top of the thing enjoying a snack! Yes, we live in the woods of NE TX and love it.
Dorothy
sweet tooth 'furry' bird
LOL ~ no suggestions here. I hung a new hummer feeder and noticed it was almost immediately emptied. I found the squirrels had nipped a hole in the plastic base, draining all the sweet juice. Aren't they amazing tree rats!?!! Good luck.
Hanging the feeders on a pole with a baffle is all I can offer.
We have four cats that go out in the daytime. We have no squirrel problems. They don't catch squirrels, but we don't see them in our yard. Down the street, yes, but not here. Doof brought up a huge rat yesterday that I made him drop unwillingly. I thought it was a bitty bunny and might be salvagable, but not on both counts.
Good Doof! lol
What happened to Doofs' tail? Squirrel got it? Or does the photo just look tail less?
I have always found orange/yellow cats to be the primo hunters. Pookie, our orange female left a flying squirrel tail on the porch the other night. I was rather sad as they are cute and uncommon.
LOL Doof is a good bit Manx and is what is called a "rumpy." He was born with not even a stub of tail and does not seem to miss it. His balance is perfect, and we have called him a Velcro cat because he can jump from tree to tree and stick all four feet. He's a very loving cat, but he is a real hunter. He was born in East Texas where kittens had to fear hawks. After nine years he still hits the ground and runs for cover if a shadow passes over.
LOL ~ we are in the woods so not much room for darting hawks. The cats can hit trees or cover easily but I know it happens as one of my old ones comes in and looks up at the ceiling fan and runs for cover when it is on. Same way when they see snakes in spring... they jump at electrical cords then.
Velcro cat ~ I like! Orange cats seem to have personality plus.
But Dorothy, I'm not sure cats would be the solution for you. On occasion, I find where a cat has managed to catch a hummer. I am amazed at their speed and agility but wish they would leave these birds alone. Do let us know what solution works for you.
I bought a contraption called "Twirl A Squirrel" online and it works. You hang it from the pole/wire etc and then the feeder hangs from it. The weight of a squirrel on the feeder causes it to spin. I love watching it. I've placed one of the feeders on a shepherd's hook near the fountain and swimming pool. I keep hoping one of the is going to get twirled into the pool, but not so far. They tend to try it a few times, then leave the feeder alone. It's the only time I've enjoyed seeing squirrels at my bird feeders. It's hilarious to watch.
Crow
I have a rumpy orange manx too!!!!!..only hes got long hair.. the breeders refer to what we call orange as "red " Canyon is one of the best cats I have ever had personality wise. Hes very dog like in a lot of ways. He has what I call an "old soul " When you look in his eyes its like he knows everything but keeps it to himself..Hes not your normal cat...lol. He was a rescue and was full grown when I got him. Hes 13 yrs old now and way to lazy to hunt!!! see what I mean...
We tried something else today - and it was fun to watch.
We got a cowbell from TSC and hung it below the hummingbird feeder. The ones the critter likes to get at is very small, just one 'port' It hangs on a tree right outside our kitchen window.
At dinner, we watched as he slinked down the tree, reached over to start sucking syrup and the bell gave a clang! Yikes! he jumped. LOL Came down again on the other side of the feeder sniffed all over the bell then tried again. bong! He left it alone and went to another feeder! Now I'll have to put a bell on that one too.
Dorothy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydLiasdJeoo
This video featuring the "Twirl-A-Squirrel" is really funny - take a look.