Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Birds Are Coming to our Backyard Restaurant

Hello Everyone.

Last night I went to a community prayer vigil for the families, bombing victims, bystanders, and medical personnel in Boston.

It was wonderful and comforting to find solace in community.

Prayers continue for all affected by the senseless violence.

And now for today's post:



A friend who has hundreds of birds coming to her back yard gave me two bird feeders.
   
Last fall, hubs filled them with seed  that I bought and we waited for the birdies to flock.

They didn't.

Maybe it was the presence of Honey Cat.  She might look like a big monster to them but really, she's an old cat who probably wouldn't pounce on a bird if you put it in front of her.


Well, last winter, at long last, the birdies started to come.

They found the backyard restaurant at last!


Now that spring is here, the birdies are enjoying taking sips of water from a birdbath, too.

The problem is the neighborhood squirrels.

The other day, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a squirrel shaking the pole the squirrel-proof birdhouses hang from.

Honestly, I dislike the bushy tails and find them quite exasperating.


ANY IDEAS ON HOW TO  ERADICATE SQUIRRELS FROM THE YARD? (They dig up and  eat spring flower bulbs and dine on seeds meant for the birds.)

15 comments:

diane.stetson said...

I do not have squirrels where I live but I did away with my bird feeder as I had rats instead...and they are worse than squirrels. Good luck getting rid of them!

Bookie said...

Squirrels are a problem...oh gosh, those rats would be worse!!!!! We don't feed the birds but neighbors do. We do water.

Good news as yesterday we heard the song of our house wren return! However, it is to be frost warning for Thursday night...what will the tiny bird do? Dangerous storms due here for tomorrow, what will I do? Be safe I hope.

Susan said...

Now that's a 4-Star restaurant! I love hearing the birds around our area--it just screams Spring:-D XOXO

Terra said...

I feed birds too cuz I love them and squirrels are the bane of many a bird feeder's existence. Best wishes.
I hang my 3 bird feeders from nails under the eaves of our house so the squirrels can't reach the feeders but don't know how to ban them from your yard.

Decadent Housewife said...

Sprinkle cayenne around the bulbs? Have heard it works.
We ended up moving to the country. Haven't seen a squirrel since.

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Susan: We are so much a like. I wish we lived closer, we would have a blast together. I am so glad you are enjoy the Granddaughter. I told mine did not like me for the first 8 months or so. It just made me try harder. She loves me now. Cries when she leaves my house. She was a hard nut to crack, but I did it. I have always had wonderful memories of my Grandparents, I do hope my grandchildren will have the same. I have to be honest, the Boston bombings scared me and I cry when I watch it on the news. As a Country we need to draw closer to God. I know I do. What city do you live in? You must be close. I am in California. Take care of yourself dear friend. I will say a prayer that God gives us both comfort. Hugs, Martha

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I have not found a solution to the squirrels at our bird feeders. I often watch as they contort themselves so they can swish away the seed to get to the ones they prefer! Little rascals!

Chatty Crone said...

I have had squirrel issues FOREVER - and they even come into our attic - and make homes.

After years - the only thing we found was the squirrel proof bird feeder and it works. It is about $100 though. But otherwise I have no idea.

Your yard is pretty,

sandie

Kathy said...

Getting rid of squirrels is a big issue - just Googling it will get you a number of remedies - some funny - as long as there are trees, there will be squirrels. Just try some of the slippery, or twirling remedies - they may work. You know, the birdfeeder where just the weight of the squirrel twirls them off the feeder ;)
I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,

La Tea Dah said...

My schnauzers LOVE squirrels. They spend hours looking out of the front window, just waiting to see a squirrel. When they spot one, they are out the dog door in a flash and give the squirrel a good chase! Then they stay at the base of the tree for hours, even in pouring rain, just waiting for that squirrel to come down. Sometimes the squirrel gets bored and jumps for the next tree --- or even jumps from great heights to the ground and takes off running again. Off the dogs dash. I don't think the squirrels feel too secure anywhere near the bird feeder!

Suzan said...

We use bird feeders that are rounded on top and squirrels are not able to hold on and slide off. so they sit on the ground, eating left overs.
We have a problem with chimpmunks. And in the winter time the field mice. In the winter we put out live traps where the door comes down. We drown the mice and rats and take the chimpmunks and squirrels a mile up the road to the Drs. office where there are 5 HUGE old oak trees.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Oh those squirrels! They live in every state! We had to put up our bird feeders because they would swing on them and munch up all the food! Then they got into our attic! I have heard that coyote urine is suppose to help.
Jemma

Dee said...

I gave up. Put a squirrel feeder on a tree and add a corn cob.?

Nellie said...

No idea about squirrels, though I heard someone recently mention mothballs as a deterrent.

Linda O'Connell said...

Our squirrels rob the garden, We've caught them running down the fence with a big tomato in their jaws.

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