A couple weeks ago Jim got the idea to build a squirrel-proof birdfeeder. It’s not that we dislike squirrels, he just wanted to see if his idea would work. He cut the top off of a bucket to create the tray, drilled holes for drainage and attached it to an aluminum pole. Then he stuck the pole into the umbrella hole on our outdoor table. So far not a single squirrel has been able to climb the pole. The chickadees and finches love it and it appears the sparrows don’t. So he’s actually built a squirrel and sparrow proof feeder! He still makes sure the squirrels get their fair share, but they have to eat it on the ground, not in the feeder. To refill it, he just lifts the pole up, adds a handful of seed and it’s good to go!
Here’s one of the more colorful squirrels in the neighborhood. It has a very distinctive coloring…almost strawberry blonde. This is the only one that’s brave enough to drop out of the big spruce tree into the other feeder in front of our house.
On Wednesday we’re heading north for a week or so. Can’t wait to get back up there and catch up with our northern friends and critters.
Posted by Terry on March 15, 2010 at 3:27 pm
How ingenious. Wil be looking forward to the cool pictures you will be sending of the creature of the north.
Posted by Rusty on March 15, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Now I am just going to tell my husband about that one as we are hounded to pieces with squirrels. That Jim of yours is one smart cookie. LOL Decided to come back to my WLS as I have missed hearing all the news from everyone. I will be looking forward to seeing pictures. I bet jim will be anxoius for the hummers to come back. Enjoy the north and that lovely cabin. Take care……….Rusty ((HUGS))
Posted by Sherry on March 15, 2010 at 6:09 pm
That’s a great idea Jim had. He should make more and sell them, I bet people would love it. So you’re heading north again. I’m sure the critters that you feed up there will be happy to see you back. Like terry and Rusty I’ll be looking forward to more pics from the northland.
Posted by Babblelot on March 15, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Well I’ll be, never seen ah feeder like that one. Some birds only like feeders closer to ground and I bet the table represents human activity (sitting by it). Wonder of the squirrels are watchin it from afar making up a stratedgy. Let us know how this does. Oh boy, ah road trip to up nort!! Oh the birds will sing when you arrive and the animals will be dancin in the woods! Have fun you guys. Bet yer haul’in that freezer up there too huh?
Posted by Neora Chana on March 16, 2010 at 12:13 am
Pretty squirrel and ingenious gadget!
Posted by Cindy on March 16, 2010 at 1:41 am
Yes Toodie, the freezer is already loaded into the truck.
Posted by Kuskulana on March 16, 2010 at 1:50 am
Cool deal, does Jim get to wear your halo as a prize ?
The Iditarod looks like a 3 man sprint for Nome now between Mackey, Gatt and King !
Posted by Jody on March 16, 2010 at 4:06 am
I hope the beautiful weather holds for your visit up here!
It was not only 60 here today.. but when my car was parked in the sun.. it said the temp was 73!!
Posted by Rambling on March 16, 2010 at 10:05 pm
good grief! Strawberrry blonde squirrels. Make a good supper for you two. Three. I am expert (thanks Daddy) at undressing squirrels and par- boiling them, then rolling their little selves in seasoned flour and frying the rascals.
Posted by CAROL on March 18, 2010 at 2:16 pm
HI.. been a while since I visited here Sis .. I am sure missing everyone. Gracious… What a neat idea.. glad it worked. I don’t have a table like that, but my Sis does will mention it to her. The squirrels here come right up to the house and will almost eat out of your hand. I am NOT kidding.. so they get plenty from me and the neighbors.. Now I heard from the neighbor that the HAWK has been spotted so not sure how many squirrels are really getting out and about. I have seen and heard the DOVES and so I know SPRING is here.. Hopemother nature gets the memo too!!! : )
Posted by Fizz on March 18, 2010 at 8:43 pm
That’s pretty snazzy! I like his problem solving skills!! And that blonde squirrel is cute… I wonder if he’s albino…