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Dwayne Biggar

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A big problem most of us have around bird feeders are squirrels. In moderation they are quite cute, but too many and they soon lose their appeal - especially when they start chewing holes in expensive feeders.

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photo contributed

An example of the Birdman’s squirrel feeder.

One way to deal with them is to use large open feeders that they don't have to chew to gain access. Another is to use lifetime-warrantee feeders, so if they do chew the feeder, it will be replaced for free.

I find the best way for me is to have a squirrel-proof feeder station - mine has four feeders hanging on a pole with a baffle in the middle. Everything above the baffle is squirrel and raccoon proof. The raccoon thing is a big plus as they are able to get in the squirrel-proof feeders by dropping them on the ground. I have also lost many a suet cage over night only to find it at a later date with the brush mower. Not good for the feeder, the mower or anyone standing too close.

If you're like me and don't mind squirrels - just not one per feeder - you can use a 'diversionary' feeder. Some are little stools with a spike for a corncob, some are propellers with a corncob on the end of each blade (If you can talk the squirrels into eating corn when there are peanuts and sunflowers just out of reach).

Recently I have placed a squirrel feeder with the house opening into a gallon bottle. You put the squirrel's favourite inside the bottle and he eats in relative safety and you get to see them. This works for two reasons, the squirrel doesn't seem to feel the need to haul all the seed away and hide it. Rather, he stands guard over his stash where it is. And because of this I only have the one pair in that area, the dominant pair have taken over and chase all others away, much better than the 15 or so I usually have. I have even mixed the seed with leftover fat and melted it into the bottle so it stays full even longer.

My most frequently asked question about this feeder is 'and then what?' - asked after I explain that the squirrel climbs the tree, goes into the house and then into the bottle. Customers ask 'and then what?' and they are usually let down when I say, 'He eats, maybe takes a little home to the wife and kids.' They want to hear that the house slams shut, or they get a shock or something along those less-than-friendly lines.

All I can say is thank you Mother Nature for the squirrel, without them I wouldn't be in business.

* Dwayne Biggar has a shop called The Bird Garden at Edgett's Landing. Have a question about birds and nature in southeastern New Brunswick? Contact him at thebirdgarden@rogers.com or 734-2489. To see photos, visit www.thebirdgarden.myphotoalbum.com.