Squirrels and Birds
Squirrels, either 'ya love 'em, or 'ya hate 'em. There's no in between.
Lots of people like to watch squirrels scamper about. This is especially
true during the winter months, when there is less to do and less wildlife
around to watch. Squirrels do not hibernate or go south, like many other
animals. Rather, they stick around just to entertain you!
Many nature and bird watchers even feed them. As a matter of fact, there
are squirrel feeders designed to hold food for your cute, and all too active
neighborhood squirrel.
But, when it comes to the hobby of bird watching and bird feeding, the squirrel
quickly becomes the arch nemesis. As I'm sure you know, bird feeders are
squirrel magnets. There is no better way to attract squirrels than to have
a bird feeder. And, here is where the problem begins.
In a single visit, one or more squirrels can empty a bird feeder. Not that
they eat that much at one meal. Rather, they toss all the seed, except what
they want, out of the feeder and onto the ground. Ground feeding birds find
and eat a fraction of the leftovers.
You can fill your feeder with Safflower seeds. Squirrels don't like
them. But only a few varieties of birds will eat Safflower.
Bird lovers go to great extremes to deter them, often without success. A
wide array of feeders, squirrel domes, and baffles are available in this
fight against our fine, furry friend. Fortunately, some of the devices are
effective. Domes and baffles definitely deter these determined creatures.
Bird feeders designed to keep them out work too, but usually come at a steep
price. They also might keep some of your fine feathered friends away.
When selecting the right tools in your battle against squirrels, we suggest
the first line of defense is baffles and domes. We recommend you thoroughly
investigate any bird feeders designed to keep squirrels away. Check around
to make sure they are effective. You don't want to spend the money, if they
can't deliver what they promise.
Ridding your yard of squirrels is an other effective means of keeping
them out of your feeders. But that is easier said than done. And, it is usually
temporary. Once you have accomplished it, squirrels from your neighbors yard
or fields, will migrate to this open territory.
Find more information in how to eliminate
squirrels from your yard.
Other:
Looking for the right flowers to grow to attract birds to your garden? Try
a selection of plants for the perfect
Hummingbird/Butterfly
Garden
Buy Flower Seeds that attract birds.
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