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From: nemo@rochester.UUCP (Wolfe)
Newsgroups: net.rec.birds
Subject: Re: squirrel@feeder
Message-ID: <11013@rochester.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 13-Aug-85 08:53:51 EDT
Article-I.D.: rocheste.11013
Posted: Tue Aug 13 08:53:51 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 15-Aug-85 00:24:57 EDT
References: <711@umd5.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: U. of Rochester, CS Dept.
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> how do I keep the squirrels from my feeder?
> Jay Elvove       ..!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umd5!jay

Squirrels are gold-medal caliber gymnasts, as I'm sure you know.  I have
never had consistent success with any of the techniques that make it hard
for the squirrel to get to the (otherwise unprotected) feeder.  It just 
takes them a little longer and is more amusing to watch (if you can see
the humor in it).  However, there is a variety of feeder that friends have
told me works without fail.  It is made of steel (tough on those little
squirrel teeth) and glass (ditto), with wood in non-critical places (like
the perch so the little birdies don't stick to the feeder when it's 10
below).  The main idea is that the perch is attached to a metal shield 
that can cover the food tray.  Ordinarily springs hold the perch and shield
up so birds can feed, but if something as heavy as a squirrel tries sitting
on the perch (and it is designed so that there is really no other way to
get at the chickadee chow), the shield drops with the laden perch, covering
the tray.  Squirrels give up pretty soon.  I don't recall the name of the
feeder's maker, but I have seen them advertised and at markets for about
$20 or so.  The steel is stainless, so they should last practically forever.
Nemo
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