This time of year most of the action in the yard centers on the birdfeeders. I have four up, with several more in mothballs. Just as the thankless task of deerproofing requires endless trial-and-error and fine-tuning, so does squirrel-proofing the birdstations. I don't really begrudge the squirrels their winnings--it's just birdseed, after all, not a $60 dogwood--and their antics are the most entertaining spectacle a yard has to offer. But occasionally, in a weak moment, I'll get locked into a deadly battle of wits with the squirrels, and as I inevitably lose each round, I get kind of resentful.
It's not a fair fight, after all. True, squirrels have a brain the size of a walnut (I looked it up--oh brave new world in which we need only type "size of squirrel brain" to answer our every question!). But here's the thing: that entire walnut is devoted to figuring out ways to get my birdseed. I, on the other hand, with an ostensibly much larger brain, have no dedicated brain space for squirrel-thwarting. So I tell myself I'm really the underdog here. But it's a hard sell, even for me.
Lately, through the use of many expensive devices and retooled deer caging, I've arrived at some modicum of success. The squirrels munch on the plentiful seed dropped to the ground by sloppy birds (jays, I suspect), but though they try all the usual avenues (the tree leap, the ground leap, the birdbath leap), they are thus far stymied. Words cannot express how gratifying this is to me, though I'm well award that even as I write they are regrouping and working on a nuclear option. It's a modest life I lead; all the more important are the small victories.
Oh I love this one as I myself have had my run-ins with the squirrels. Hey, they are what they eat right? Around here that's ALOT of Walnuts! (and walnuts ARE brain food...why they're so smart I guess). Did you know they have an affinity towards Dodge vehicles? (my brother the mechanic confirms that fact), so I have to keep my truck safeguarded after 3 rounds of being towed to a mechanic for re-wiring issues. So I've figured out a system that so far has worked (of course we're just now coming up on the 'busy' season). I found out Scoot (red pepper spray) from Ace Hardware works pretty darned good at keeping them away. So every so often I spray the underside of the truck where they enter in at, & sprinkle hot stuff on top of each of the 4 tires. I also surround it with a black hose I have hoping they think that looks like a snake & will avoid it from the get go, & also set a couple jugs of open vinegar underneath it, just in case it helps.
ReplyDeleteYou write beautifully...Keep 'em coming.
Don't get me started on squirrels. Suffice it to say, they have the ability to fall down tubes jutting out of your roof and end up stuck in the stove vent, swimming up from your toilet ( in a most horrifying manner ) or just running around your tenants apartment trying to eat their way out.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea that gardening is a pleasure comes from some kind of ancient memory held deep within. If I were to be honest with myself I would have to say for the most part my experience with it has been a struggle to say the least. And yet there is that pull to do it anyway no matter what. I once had a gazillion walking onions, now just a few, so since the few that remain were so spread out I decided last night to move them together so I did, all nice & neat & tucked in, job well done right? Go out just now & they're completely dug up, one big mess, obviously a racoon looking for worms I guess...and so it goes. I don't have enough milk crates to cover up everything I plant. I really wanted to grow me some good corn this year too. A 7 foot fence is a playground for coons. And yet my favorite thing to do is sit and gaze at the garden, no matter what condition it's in...true unconditional love. Today I'm the kvetcher.
ReplyDeleteDid you know there is no delete button here for people to retract what they say once it's been said?, lol, K, I'm better now, picked a big bowl of wild greens from the garden, all of which grew by themselves with little help from me, violets in bloom galore, so pretty.
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