My nemesis: My wife loves the birds, but I can't keep these rascals from climbing on the feeders and spreading the seeds all over the lawn. I have tried throwing tennis balls at them...

dougwalter Loc: The Colony, TX

My wife loves the birds, but I can't keep these rascals from climbing on the feeders and spreading the seeds all over the lawn. I have tried throwing tennis balls at them, hosing them down with water, and finally trapping them with no kill traps. Nothing works, and they just steal the bait in the traps. Decided to give up and take pictures of them. I have very thick skin, so C&C is very welcome. Trying to learn photography as a hobby.

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Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

They're cute but to keep them out of the bird feeders you have to buy special feeders designed to keep squirrels out of them.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Tikva wrote:

They're cute but to keep them out of the bird feeders you have to buy special feeders designed to keep squirrels out of them.

There are feeders designed just for this problem. The one we use has the shelf where they stand to get at the feed spring loaded so their weight on the shelf also closes off the feed access. It takes a few attempts for them to learn that the free food in plain sight isn't available. The spring tension is adjustable so most of the songbirds can perch and feed, but crows and larger blackbirds can't. Works like a charm.

Years ago before the closing type was available, my father used to hand the feeders on a thin piano wire strung between two trees. It was a hoot to watch them carefully try to walk the wire only to fall off after a few feet and long before they got anywhere near the feeder.

aschweik Loc: NE Ohio

This is a squirrel proof feeder. The little bugger figured out how not to step on the ring that closes the port. But if it were hung away from a pole or anything else the squirrel can climb on, he wouldn't be able to get the seed out as easily. This feeder is beat up from squirrels and raccoon trying to find a free meal. I found, if you can't beat 'em, enjoy 'em. They're good for practicing photography skills. Use a high shutter speed to stop action since they can be quick.

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Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

aschweik wrote:

This is a squirrel proof feeder. The little bugger figured out how not to step on the ring that closes the port. But if it were hung away from a pole or anything else the squirrel can climb on, he wouldn't be able to get the seed out as easily. This feeder is beat up from squirrels and raccoon trying to find a free meal. I found, if you can't beat 'em, enjoy 'em. They're good for practicing photography skills. Use a high shutter speed to stop action since they can be quick.

Really cute photo of one of the critters. They are so ingenious at getting to the feeders.

nupshaw Loc: Strasburg, VA

I have fed birds (along with all the other critters, including bears) for years. Since squirrel-proof feeders aren't bear proof, I gave up and changed to safflower seeds. Squirrels will investigate, eat a few, and then move on to the neighbors' feeders. I also put out suet for the woodpeckers and downies. I may decide to add another feeder that gets only a few sunflower seeds once a day. But I'm satisfied with the birds I get for the most part. Anyway, the squirrels are at least no longer rabid pests at my feeders.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I put up a bird feeder to try and get some bird shots. I have a home in the pocono Mnts.
Came back to the house one day and the feeded was smashed on the ground. Huh!!!! so I bought another
a few weeks later the same thing. Then I found out who was doing it. One night sound a sleep and a big crash. I get up and look outside. My gas grill is on its side. Then It dawned on me. A bear, they eat the bird seed and they lick gas grill grates. ( yuck) . So Id rather deal with a squirrel then a bear, for sure.

dougwalter Loc: The Colony, TX

I've got to agree with you bdk. I don't think bears could handle the Texas heat, so not real concerned about them.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have relocated around 30 squirrels in the past couple of years. I take them about 10 miles away across a river and two highways. I drop them all off in the same spot in a wildlife area so they can be with their friends. The hawks all smile when they see my Jeep pulling in. Oh well :)

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sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

LOL I love squirrels and I love your images, Doug!

dougwalter Loc: The Colony, TX

Thank you.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

dougwalter wrote:

My wife loves the birds, but I can't keep these rascals from climbing on the feeders and spreading the seeds all over the lawn. I have tried throwing tennis balls at them, hosing them down with water, and finally trapping them with no kill traps. Nothing works, and they just steal the bait in the traps. Decided to give up and take pictures of them. I have very thick skin, so C&C is very welcome. Trying to learn photography as a hobby.

These circular shields are foolproof, well squirrel-proof. I used them on two feeders, and the squirrels never got to them.

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=squirrel+shields