Squirrel Tips, Part 2
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		Feeding the squirrels on the Levins' deck: At furthest left, the Rubicon recycled milk carton platform feeder is much more accessible-- and therefore much more appealing-- than the tube feeder hanging behind it. At immediate left, going in, out and through the Wildwood Farms "Munch N' View" box feeder is entertaining to the squirrels, while watching them is entertaining to us!
Good Advice Bears Repeating! Dealing with squirrels in the backyard environment is an ongoing concern, or some might say, an ongoing battle! Whether you're trying to keep squirrels out of all your bird feeders, or whether you'd just like to leave some feeders for birds only by controlling which of your feeders the squirrels can partake of, there are a variety of strategies to fit your needs. We've mentioned some of these solutions in an earlier article on this site.  The following article, reprinted by permission, is a great reminder of some effective techniques, and just might give you a new idea or two to thwart the most clever of squirrels. Birdfeeding Tips, January 2005   Five Successful Strategies for Managing Gray Squirrel Activity in Your Yard! TIP #5-- Distract them with treats. Divert their attention away from your bird seed with a feeder all their own. Fill this easy-to-get-at feeder with all their favorites: corn, peanuts and sunflower seeds. TIP #4-- Make it hot! Hot! Hot! Serve your birds suets and seeds treated with hot pepper. Squirrels don't care for this spicy additive, and it doesn't bother the birds. TIP #3-- Baffle them high and low. If your feeder is pole-mounted, attach a metal baffle beneath it to prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole. For hanging feeders, place a baffle directly above the feeder, and squirrels will slide off as they attempt to access the seed. TIP #2-- Choose squirrel-proof feeders. A wide variety of squirrel-proof and squirrel-resistant bird feeders are available, including tubes with protective outer wire caging, rugged metal dual-grid platforms and hoppers, electronic models that rotate or give a small shock and more.  Your retailer can suggest a model that's right for you. And finally, here's our #1 tip for squirrel management... TIP #1-- Ask an expert! Retailers that cater to wild bird enthusiasts know squirrels-- and all their clever tricks. Save time and money-- go right to a knowledgeable squirrel professional for help. We wish you peace and joy each day of 2005! Mike Dunn and Sharon Dunn Duncraft Bird Feeders Since 1952