Feeding the Birds
02-13-2017, 08:22 AM
#581
I only have a minor issue with squirrels. The spring loaded feeders seem to keep them out. They do dine on the suet from time to time, but not a huge deal.
02-13-2017, 08:24 PM
#582
Squirrels have not been a problem in the 24 years I've been feeding the birds here......until this past week. I noticed the suet feeder was laying on the ground a few days ago. Went out to investigate and it looked like my fault. I had recently filled it and it appeared that I hadn't tightened the nut/hanging loop that holds the top on the cage. The nut/loop was still hanging from the Shepard's hook, but the feeder was on the ground. Refilled it and secured the top. Fast forward to Saturday and I see a squirrel on top of the suet feeder trying his best to get in. Turns out he had climbed the tree next to it and dropped 4'-5' on to the feeder from a branch above. Moved the feeder out from under the tree and the squirrel has gone back to grazing under the feeders. Saw him later making an attempt to climb the pole for the main feeder, but the squirrel baffle did just that...baffled him.
02-14-2017, 04:13 PM
#583
Having an issue with feral cats lately, so got the neighbors trap and baited it..... as of yesterday, caught 2 squirrels! 
For squirrels, use the catch and release policy!
In the 3-5 years that I have used the trap on and off, never before have caught a squirrel.
Squirrels sure can move quick when you open the trap door!
For squirrels, use the catch and release policy!
In the 3-5 years that I have used the trap on and off, never before have caught a squirrel.
Squirrels sure can move quick when you open the trap door!
02-20-2017, 08:07 PM
#584
frig'n red wing black birds showed up yesterday and are still here . . . where is the snow when we want it!
02-21-2017, 08:27 AM
#585
02-21-2017, 01:29 PM
#586
^ No, we never see red wing blackbirds in the winter but its hard to call 50-60° winter, so a couple are here.
02-22-2017, 06:55 AM
#587
Registered User
Dave, why do you dislike the red-wing black birds so much? We had a pair nest in the garden two years ago and we learnt to expect "low flying birds", reminder attacks, which I think lasted for about three weeks. It didn't seem to bother the other birds in the garden. I was disappointed that the following year when they checked us out we didn't qualify for a nest.
02-22-2017, 09:01 AM
#588
Dave, why do you dislike the red-wing black birds so much? We had a pair nest in the garden two years ago and we learnt to expect "low flying birds", reminder attacks, which I think lasted for about three weeks. It didn't seem to bother the other birds in the garden. I was disappointed that the following year when they checked us out we didn't qualify for a nest.
02-22-2017, 01:09 PM
#589
What fullback said. They are mean birds who take over the feeders. They are not into sharing. And once they find a good food supply, like ours with half a dozen feeders, more and more and more show up until we just stop feeding all the birds!
02-23-2017, 05:42 AM
#590
How long do they hang around, Dave? Do you leave feeders empty in an effort to discourage them? The house sparrows are not that aggressive, but they have been my problem, as they do/did seem to discourage other birds from feeding. My weighted fishing line near/on feeders is still keeping them away.