I just found this and as a bird watcher and supporter, I really enjoy and can relate some to your set up. I have found that a simple squirrel baffle helps keep squirrels off the bird feeders (we've used 4 in. dryer duct tubing hanging around the pole at the base). I usually put corn and other wild life food a little ways from the feeders to divert the squirrels from the bird feeders as well. I think all can agree on your sign! Thanks for the video.
I have found that the bird feeders attracts a lot of squirrels which is frustrating bc they devour everything in sight, and also the seed that falls on the ground attracts critters (maybe voles?) - how do you feed the birds and avoid the nuisance pests causing trouble?
There’s no real way to attract birds to feeders without also attracting squirrels (and others). Birds are messy eaters, and the food they drop will attract other animals. The best you can do is limit the amount of food the squirrels have access to. The most effective method is physical barriers, specifically: placing feeders on tall poles with baffles installed, far enough away from any objects squirrels can jump from, so the squirrels cannot access the feeders, and can only eat what the birds drop (this also means there is very little food left for voles, mice, etc.). If such a setup isn’t possible, there are various feeders on the market that have built in squirrel-proofing measures. They can vary in effectiveness (see 11:37, where a red squirrel gets into the caged feeder)... but the brand Brome makes feeders they call “Squirrel Buster” which are quite effective, and simply prevent the squirrels from accessing the food in the feeder.
The Blue Jays will take nuts and swallow one, take a second and fly away to hide them in the grass and put a leaf over top for good measure. Sometimes another jay sees this and goes down to intercept. What drama! I use a hull free mix, thistle, mealworms for the bluebirds and I maintain a nectar feeder for the hummers. Earlier in spring I put out oranges and grape jelly for the orioles and catbird. The expense can get out of hand so I ration the worms. They get a scoop in the morning and they've learned to be around for it. I've seen a starling take 50 in a single sitting!!! You'd be surprised how messy it can get with sunflower hulls piling up. You're a nice man. Those black socks though!!😜 What's your e mail address? I'd like to send you some gardening and bird action in my CT yard. I highly suggest this youtuber for bird videos. She's a gem! ua-cam.com/video/sUvxtnMNcmA/v-deo.html
Yea, those socks. Did you say the bluebirds visit for the mealworms? We see bluebirds for a couple weeks every spring and then they move on to who knows where. Have you managed to keep them around.
@@CTSCAPER The suet pellets is what brought them to the feeder the first time. Then I added the worms. It's funny how the male prefers the suet and female loves the worms. I was amazed to see them all last winter here. I live in Shelton.
Great video! I’m surprised you don’t have trouble with bears. Sadly bird feeders are a thing of the past for us. Was that a flying squirrel in the middle feeder? Cheers - your neighbor across Zoar.
I think it was a red squirrel but squirrel ID isn't my thing. I see the flying squirrels at night, on the platform feeder closer to the bird baths. Their eyes really glow. I've only seen a bear once on the property but I'm sure they'll be coming. What a gorgeous day today! Love that breeze.
@@CTSCAPER After researching, you’re right. We don’t have them on the property but we also don’t have any conifers either. Learned something new today. Perfect weather indeed!
@@DougFaynor I don't have any conifers either but I think the flying squirrels live in the sugar maple cavities. They look very unlike any other squirrels in the area. I only see them once in a while by accident at night.
I just found this and as a bird watcher and supporter, I really enjoy and can relate some to your set up. I have found that a simple squirrel baffle helps keep squirrels off the bird feeders (we've used 4 in. dryer duct tubing hanging around the pole at the base). I usually put corn and other wild life food a little ways from the feeders to divert the squirrels from the bird feeders as well. I think all can agree on your sign! Thanks for the video.
I have found that the bird feeders attracts a lot of squirrels which is frustrating bc they devour everything in sight, and also the seed that falls on the ground attracts critters (maybe voles?) - how do you feed the birds and avoid the nuisance pests causing trouble?
I can't separate the two, unfortunately.
There’s no real way to attract birds to feeders without also attracting squirrels (and others). Birds are messy eaters, and the food they drop will attract other animals. The best you can do is limit the amount of food the squirrels have access to. The most effective method is physical barriers, specifically: placing feeders on tall poles with baffles installed, far enough away from any objects squirrels can jump from, so the squirrels cannot access the feeders, and can only eat what the birds drop (this also means there is very little food left for voles, mice, etc.). If such a setup isn’t possible, there are various feeders on the market that have built in squirrel-proofing measures. They can vary in effectiveness (see 11:37, where a red squirrel gets into the caged feeder)... but the brand Brome makes feeders they call “Squirrel Buster” which are quite effective, and simply prevent the squirrels from accessing the food in the feeder.
Put grape jelly and oranges out for the Robbins, they love it
I'll give it a try!
The Blue Jays will take nuts and swallow one, take a second and fly away to hide them in the grass and put a leaf over top for good measure. Sometimes another jay sees this and goes down to intercept. What drama!
I use a hull free mix, thistle, mealworms for the bluebirds and I maintain a nectar feeder for the hummers. Earlier in spring I put out oranges and grape jelly for the orioles and catbird. The expense can get out of hand so I ration the worms. They get a scoop in the morning and they've learned to be around for it. I've seen a starling take 50 in a single sitting!!! You'd be surprised how messy it can get with sunflower hulls piling up.
You're a nice man.
Those black socks though!!😜
What's your e mail address? I'd like to send you some gardening and bird action in my CT yard.
I highly suggest this youtuber for bird videos. She's a gem!
ua-cam.com/video/sUvxtnMNcmA/v-deo.html
Yea, those socks. Did you say the bluebirds visit for the mealworms? We see bluebirds for a couple weeks every spring and then they move on to who knows where. Have you managed to keep them around.
@@CTSCAPER The suet pellets is what brought them to the feeder the first time. Then I added the worms. It's funny how the male prefers the suet and female loves the worms. I was amazed to see them all last winter here. I live in Shelton.
Very nice. My guess is the squirrels are involved with expediting the draining of your feeders.
Absolutely!
Great video! I’m surprised you don’t have trouble with bears. Sadly bird feeders are a thing of the past for us. Was that a flying squirrel in the middle feeder? Cheers - your neighbor across Zoar.
I think it was a red squirrel but squirrel ID isn't my thing. I see the flying squirrels at night, on the platform feeder closer to the bird baths. Their eyes really glow. I've only seen a bear once on the property but I'm sure they'll be coming. What a gorgeous day today! Love that breeze.
@@CTSCAPER After researching, you’re right. We don’t have them on the property but we also don’t have any conifers either. Learned something new today. Perfect weather indeed!
@@DougFaynor I don't have any conifers either but I think the flying squirrels live in the sugar maple cavities. They look very unlike any other squirrels in the area. I only see them once in a while by accident at night.
please lose the socks. but a great idea.