Bluetit Diary    May 2003 (53)

 

 

Thursday 22nd May, 2003

Today we had to remove the window feeder, as the window cleaner arrived on a much-needed visit.  After washing it thoroughly, we replaced it much higher up on the window, in the hope that the squirrels can no longer get to it.  We just hope a squirrel will not make a daring leap from the pole fixed on the wall to the side, and higher than the window.  At least there is a safety cord on both parts of the feeder, so with a bit of luck if such a leap is made, the feeder should survive even if it becomes dislodged.

There are two poles sticking out from the wall on either side of the window.  These are where we hang peanut feeders.  One is the type that has a cage round it, and although a juvenile squirrel can get inside, still cannot remove much food, and they tend to ignore it.  The other one, that can also be seen on the right hand side of the feedercam picture, is a rather neat device that we have had for many years.  It has to be positioned so that a squirrel cannot leap onto it, but if a squirrel runs along the pole and down the wire suspending the feeder, the weight of the squirrel causes the green "sheath" seen above the nut holder to come down and cover the nuts.  Very frustrating for the squirrel, but great fun for us to watch!