Like many people stuck at home during the big lock down in early 2020, we took greater interest in our feathered friends around the yard. We learned their calls and feeding habits—some are ground feeders, others prefer suet, and most enjoy the bird seed.
Our first attempts with seed feeders resulted in many squirrels in addition to birds. Too many squirrels! After an initial attempt to place the seed feeder on a shepherd’s hook, we found that squirrels could even climb the pole to get to the seed.
 |
| Yankee Flipper |
Then we came upon the
Yankee Flipper. It is motorized and weight activated. Birds can sit on
it with no trouble, but squirrels go for a nice spin, which is highly
entertaining. It has never harmed a squirrel, but I doubt they could pass astronaut training. 😀
 |
| Flicker feeder |
Juncos, the predominant birds we have, are ground feeders and clean up seed dropped from the Yankee Flipper. In the backyard, we have a Steller’s jay who regularly comes for a tossed peanut. And flickers
love the special suet feeder that lets them rest their tails while they
eat.
Recently I discovered Bark Butter from Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) and purchased the type that is spicy. This variety is supposed to be avoided by squirrels, but I’ve found they like it much more than the birds do.
WBU gave us a small packet of seed (top of page) to toss on our front doorstep at Christmas for good luck in the new year. I’m looking forward to watching as birds and squirrels alike gobble it up.
