Squirrels and Birdseed

[srbowm]

Last spring I put out my first bird feeder, a squirrel-proof finch feeder.

Aug. 11 2024 Pine Siskin and Downy Woodpecker at Finch Feeder. Black-capped Chickadees and American Goldfinches also visited regularly throughout the summer into September.

Then the visits stopped. Visits have been few and very far between throughout most of September, October, November, and the beginning of December. Today is December 10. Backing up to late November, upon inquiry, I was told that in fall, birds such as Black-capped Chickadees want larger seed like sunflower seed that they can cache.

Then came weather forecast of a major winter snow storm system coming our way. I stocked up on groceries and birdseed, including a mix with sunflower seed and dried fruit. I did not have a proper feeder but experimented with what I had.

Property management forbids the feeding of squirrels so there’s that. By way of experiment, I put out on a little table a deep flat-bottomed straight-sided enamel bowl (right side up) and a wire grocery basket (upside down) to try two different things. Inside the bowl I placed a little tray with peanuts to bait the squirrels. On top of the basket I placed another little tray with peanuts. I wanted to see if the squirrels could get over the smooth slippery side of the bowl or if they could walk over the wire cage.

The frigid snowy weather moved in. The squirrels disappeared. So did the birds. My peanuts remained untouched for over a week. Then this week, temps rose above freezing. The squirrels returned and the peanuts disappeared.

Now I know that the Eastern Grey Squirrels don’t like below freezing temps, but I don’t know where they go or what they live on during long cold periods in winter. What I do know is that last night I went and got a Brome Squirrel Buster Standard bird feeder large enough for sunflower seed and dried fruit.

So far, no birds or squirrels. You can’t see it in the photos but when I was putting in the seed I noticed that it has compartments for different kinds of seed. I hadn’t known that when I was buying it but that makes me happy. I can target different species if I wish, or try out different types of birdseed. I can also adjust it for different sizes of birds and animals. For example, if the Common Grackles take over the feeder, I can adjust the tension so the shroud covers the feeding holes when larger birds land on the perch.

Most of you might be familiar with the Brome product line but in case you’re not, here are a few YouTubes to demonstrate.

The Squirrel Buster Standard - YouTube

Squirrel Buster Standard - how to adjust tension

[jnstuart]

Squirrels can be a challenge. This squirrel is a Rock Squirrel, not even a tree squirrel (Sciurus). Surprisingly agile for a ground squirrel.

[ItsMeLucy]

I like your feeders!

Here is Sciurus yucatanensis (Yucatán Squirrel) which I would just refer to as ardilla or ku’uk. I have never seen any other type of squirrel here.

(This is not my Observation but the pose is just wonderful and I love it so much.)

There is an active bird thread here where you may be able to get advice re: seed suggestions.

[octobertraveler]

I had a squirrel buster feeder that worked really well. I confess to being puzzled at your absence of birds in winter. I generally find that birds that overwinter hit feeders pretty hard. We use black oil sunflower seeds and suet in the winter (and summer too for the most part). I usually see chickadees, sparrows, cardinals, titmouses (titmice? What is the plural?), and the occasional wren and/or woodpecker. Maybe you just need to give them time to find the winter offerings?

[jnstuart]

I’ve had birds disappear from a winter feeder for a while and then rediscover it after days or weeks. Presumably they gravitated to another food source for a while.

[octobertraveler]

That makes sense. We’re in a small town, so maybe we have less competition.

[thebirdersway]

Thanks for suggesting my thread .

[ken_ohio]

Are you allowed to hang suet? Birds like suet in colder weather. Squirrels will eat it, too. I think the seedless suet is better because the seeds won’t fall to the ground and attract squirrels. So, do a little research for suet feeders. I did a quick search and found a few that look like they are good for excluding squirrels.

[annkatrinrose]

You can get hot pepper suet, which is supposed to be too spicy for the squirrels. I find it works pretty well as my squirrels seem to show no interest in it, but it attracts hordes of starlings in my yard.

[srbowm]

I could hang a suet feeder but I looked into it after reading your post. I read the reviews on squirrel buster suet feeders and lots of them said the squirrels got in anyway. I think it depends on what kind of squirrels live in one’s area. People mentioned red squirrels and young squirrels. One person in Nova Scotia said their squirrels got in, but didn’t say what kind of squirrels they have.

I just got this sunflower seed squirrel buster feeder. Not sure I want to invest in another feeder at the moment. Ideas are welcome, all the same. When and if I’m ready at some future point, I’ll look them up and read them again.

[srbowm]

Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t want to feed Starlings. They are an invasive species in my part of the world and do very well on their own.