Now that I have a backyard, I wanted to setup some bird feeders. The neighborhood has a lot of trees, so I bought a bird feeder that is squirrel-proof. It’s a very clever design. In it’s default position, the holes are exposed. When substantial weight (a squirrel) is on the feeder, the housing slides down and the metal leaves hide the holes.
Do you see a little bird hiding behind the feeder?
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I have the bird feeder on a wooden trellis. I’ve seen several cats in the backyard so I’m thinking of ways to prevent cats from climbing the trellis. If anyone has any suggestions, please please leave a comment. This is very unfamiliar territory for me.
Could I put plastic around the base of the trellis to prevent the cat from climbing? Is there a more attractive alternative? I’m also thinking of buying one of those tall poles with hooks on the end for hanging feeders. Something like this.
Cool blog, I don’t have one but your photos are cool, did you take all the photos yourself? The bird feeder is cool, it will be hard for squirrels to get the bird food. I actually feed the squirrels squirrel food and they leave the bird food alone. As far as the cats try buying cheap cat food and leaving a bowl out on your deck or something, if they start being fed everyday they will come to like the food better than the birds…less work too. I feed a couple strays everyday and the birds around our house seem much happier. It was great seeing you at Xmas and meeting Jon he is very nice…Love ya!
Thanks Aunt Shelly! I did take all the photos myself.
I will try your suggestions for the cats.
Love the photos. This is a great feeder – we had one for a long time. Eventually our squirrels chewed through the top tho. One suggestion for keeping squirrels and cats out – get a bubble top – it’s a clear dome of plastic that hangs over the feeder. Cats and squirrels can’t get a grip on it and it shelters the feeder for the birds. If I find a photo, I’ll send it.
Looking good!
Chicken wire on the ground around the base – they hate walking on it? Is that a little chickadee peeking out – I love those fat little birds
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Mom, that’s interesting. I’ve seen bubble tops for the bottom, but not the top. I’ll look into that.
Tiffany, that’s a dark-eyed junco hiding behind the feeder. I thought we had a lot in California, but boy, there’s everywhere here. They’re more common than sparrows. And chicken wire is an excellent idea. I’ll try and get some this weekend.
Elizabeth, I have that feed too and love it!!! If the food on the bottom gets wet it can get moldy in this feeder, so I do a thorough cleaning and disinfect with a 10% bleach solution at least once a season.
I use shepards hook type feeders and try to place them in an open area where the cats can be seen before they attack. There is cover nearby where the birds can hide while they check out the area. I do not feed outdoor cats because I don’t want to attract more cats. The dogs are good deterrants to the cats. Mine will chase outdoor kitties while they leave the indoor cats alone. Perhaps because my cats do not run and provide and trigger the instinct to chase.
Loved seeing your new pictures!
Hmm, maybe I should get a dog!
There is a blue spruce in the backyard, so that should help. Yesterday there were chickadees, sparrows and finches going crazy over the feeder and they did fly over to the blue spruce. I’m hoping the tree might contain nuthatches so that when I bring out the suet feeder, they’ll starting eating suet.
Do you remember the mourning doves that lived in the Bunyard’s spruce? The cooing drove me nuts. That tree was a bird condo. One spring there were jays, doves, and an assortment of others. And Jennifer the cat would patrol…