"Much smaller than traditional gray-striped sunflower, black-oil sunflower has a thin, papery shell that yields to the smaller bills of sparrows, juncos and even goldfinches. It's a much better value, because 70% of each seed is meat, compared to 57% for striped sunflower seed. Black-oil sunflower is the heart of any feeding program, for it is accepted by the greatest variety of birds."
--- From the Bird Watcher's Digest Booklet Enjoying Bird Feeding More.
Find this informative book and more by visiting Wild Class Nature Center!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Squirrels...what good are they?
Squirrels play a tremendous role in the reforestation effort; burying seeds and nuts that are later forgotten and sprouting new tree seedlings in the spring. They’re also fun to watch; delighting us with their acrobatic feats and whimsical behavior. Actually, it’s more like a love-hate-love relationship. For some more hate than love but you have to admit they are entertaining.
Squirrels will go to great lengths to get to food in your bird feeders or anywhere else. They walk tight ropes, using their tails for balance. They can jump five to ten feet horizontally and three to four feet vertically. By nature they have to gnaw continually to keep their teeth short and sharp. If they didn’t, their teeth would grow up to six inches during their lifetime. That gnawing sometimes comes at the expense of your bird feeder as they chew their way to your expensive birdseed.
So how do you keep these bushy tailed acrobats from devouring your birdseed and feeders?
Try offering their favorite foods in their own feeder, away from your bird feeding station. Squirrels are opportunistic and will readily accept an easy meal. Some squirrel favorites are corn, peanuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and fruit.
A baffle placed above your feeder or on a mounting -pole or post can deter them too. Make sure the baffle is made from metal flashing, polycarbonate plastic or PVC to keep squirrels from getting a grip with their sharp claws and teeth. Remember, squirrels can jump great distances, so keep your feeding station at least 8 feet, preferably 10-12 feet from any trees or structures that can give them a platform to jump from.
There are many birdfeeders on the market that prevent squirrels from getting at the feed through the use of weighted perches, twirling devices, cages or other means. These are effective most of the time. However, there seems to always be one that can perform super squirrel feats and defeat the system.
Hot pepper or capsaicin treated seed is effective most of the time. It has the same effect on squirrels that it has on us and the birds don’t seem to mind the fiery powder. However, if squirrels are really hungry in the winter or early spring, they may still eat the treated seed.
Some squirrel facts: Squirrels do not hibernate in the winter, though they may be less active if the weather is severe. They live from two to six years in the wild spending their entire life within three to five acres. Their natural predators include humans, coyotes, foxes, dogs, cats, hawks and owls.
To learn more about squirrels and their antics, we recommend reading:
“Squirrel Proofing Your Home & Garden” by Rhonda Massingham Hart
“Enjoying Squirrels More (or Less!)” by Howard Youth, Published by Bird Watcher’s Digest
“Squirrel Wars” by George H Harrison
Squirrels will go to great lengths to get to food in your bird feeders or anywhere else. They walk tight ropes, using their tails for balance. They can jump five to ten feet horizontally and three to four feet vertically. By nature they have to gnaw continually to keep their teeth short and sharp. If they didn’t, their teeth would grow up to six inches during their lifetime. That gnawing sometimes comes at the expense of your bird feeder as they chew their way to your expensive birdseed.
So how do you keep these bushy tailed acrobats from devouring your birdseed and feeders?
Try offering their favorite foods in their own feeder, away from your bird feeding station. Squirrels are opportunistic and will readily accept an easy meal. Some squirrel favorites are corn, peanuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and fruit.
A baffle placed above your feeder or on a mounting -pole or post can deter them too. Make sure the baffle is made from metal flashing, polycarbonate plastic or PVC to keep squirrels from getting a grip with their sharp claws and teeth. Remember, squirrels can jump great distances, so keep your feeding station at least 8 feet, preferably 10-12 feet from any trees or structures that can give them a platform to jump from.
There are many birdfeeders on the market that prevent squirrels from getting at the feed through the use of weighted perches, twirling devices, cages or other means. These are effective most of the time. However, there seems to always be one that can perform super squirrel feats and defeat the system.
Hot pepper or capsaicin treated seed is effective most of the time. It has the same effect on squirrels that it has on us and the birds don’t seem to mind the fiery powder. However, if squirrels are really hungry in the winter or early spring, they may still eat the treated seed.
Some squirrel facts: Squirrels do not hibernate in the winter, though they may be less active if the weather is severe. They live from two to six years in the wild spending their entire life within three to five acres. Their natural predators include humans, coyotes, foxes, dogs, cats, hawks and owls.
To learn more about squirrels and their antics, we recommend reading:
“Squirrel Proofing Your Home & Garden” by Rhonda Massingham Hart
“Enjoying Squirrels More (or Less!)” by Howard Youth, Published by Bird Watcher’s Digest
“Squirrel Wars” by George H Harrison
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