We Are Squirrel-Obsessed
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This is broken glass.
Bradley is not ashamed of the war wound he received several days ago in breaking it. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that he was downright proud of his little red badge of courage, a bandage on his wrist after he smashed the window in an attempt to scare squirrels away from their birdseed feast.
It is the first thing he does when he arrives home from squirrel, er, uh, I mean school.
He runs immediately to the dining room window to see if the top has been ripped from the birdfeeder — again.
He bangs on the glass (albeit not so heavily as he used to).
He yells.
He runs outside.
He dresses in army fatigues and wages hide-out guerilla warfare.
Yesterday I told him the only way to get rid of the squirrels is to get rid of the seeds.
He stood at the window a moment, gazing thoughtfully at a lone squirrel pecking at fallen seeds for the squirrel-equivalent of m&ms in a bowl of trail mix. The feeder was darn-near empty.
“The squirrels will go away soon,” I said.
Bradley silently walked away studying the tops of his shoes. I went back to the studio and was quickly engrossed in designing a wedding invitation.
A moment later, Bradley reappeared by my side. “I refilled the birdfeeder,” he said.
I smiled.
We are squirrel-obsessed.
Before Bradley asks tell him No. I am not letting him borrow my nerf guns. ; )
Comment by Gabe — February 10, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Thanks, Gabe, you made everyone in the family laugh, even Kaptain Karl.
Comment by jules — February 10, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
I hate squirrels myself. Live in a place where they periodically get in the attic. Hate to hear the scratch, scratch, scratch on the ceiling in the middle of the night…… gives me the creepy crawlies thinking about it.
Comment by linda from edison — February 10, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
I am currently winning the squirrel battle on my turf, and I do say “currently” because I know it’s never enough!
I credit our success to the positioning of the feeder and the baffle. It’s the second one I’ve tried - the first one was too small.
http://www.greenfreak.net/wp-content/myfotos/birding/feeder_020508_41.jpg
Even if they grab on to the branch above with their back feet, they can’t reach anything to grab onto. It’s also hanging high enough that they can’t jump down from below. With no other branches close enough to jump from.
Now, so I don’t make them mad enough for them to take it out on the bulbs I plan on planting later, I installed a Squngee:
http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=BEL-SQUN-2
I got this from Wild Birds Unlimited. My husband gets a big kick out of seeing them jumping from the ground and clutching the ears of corn while they eat.
I hope this helps, and thanks for your blog. I also use WordPress. I found you by looking for information on Black Cherry trees and I’m looking forward to reading more!
Thanks,
Tricia
greenfreak.net
Comment by Tricia — February 17, 2008 @ 2:06 pm