FOR THE BIRDS: Squirrels

Cute they may be, but squirrels can empty a feeder of expensive birdseed in less than an hour. Then, frustrated that the feeder is empty, they proceed to destroy it, their sharp rodent teeth ripping apart even superstrong constructions.

So what's a responsible backyard bird host to do?

Cornell Lab of Ornithology asked birders to share suggestions, and responses ranged from using some sort of baffles or "squirrel -ng feeder poles. While most suggestions had at least partial merit, the Cornell staff recommended strongly against greasing poles.

"If birds get into the grease," they responded, "it can seriously impair their feathers' waterproofing and insulation," a serious survival risk during winter weather.

Because no one wants to cause birds to die just to keep squirrels at bay, greased poles are not a good option.

Cornell's response: "Feeders with built-in baffles or wire squirrel guards; counterweighted tray doors that slam shut under a squirrel's weight; battery -operated feeders intended to fling mammalian invaders aside — anti-squirrel feeders are testament to the human imagination."

Unfortunately, they're also testament to the fact that squirrels spend 24/7 to figure out how to outmaneuver whatever obstacles we mere humans use to thwart them. Eventually, they win. Sometimes in hours; sometimes in days or weeks.

Folks who found the most success owned large yard dogs or lived in neighborhoods hosting coyotes or hawks. Any of these will take a squirrel — or at least frighten it away from feeders.

Most survey responders admitted that offering an easy-access feeder just for the squirrels while offering bird feeds elsewhere in the yard seemed the only reasonable solution. I've tried that. Didn't work. Squirrels want it all — not just "their" feeders.

I've also tried hanging feeders under awnings, but squirrels learned to climb our brick walls, jump from the roof to the awning, slide down the side and tight-wire walk the struts to the feeders. Then they hang upside down by their hind feet, munching contentedly.

George Harrison in his book "Squirrel Wars: Backyard Wildlife Battles and How to Win Them" suggests the 5-7-9- rule. He writes: "Place the feeder at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet from the nearest tree or structure and 9 feet below any overhanging branches. This has proved to be more effective than baffles, hot pepper, greased poles, and many other contraptions." Can you apply 5-7-9 in your yard?

I like the idea, but our tree-filled yard hardly offers such locations. One distance or another is always short. Or the feeders would be so far from the house that I couldn't see who's there.

For what it's worth, I've discovered that, at least in my yard, squirrels don't like safflower or thistle seed and don't much care for pure suet (no seeds or fruits). So by limiting my buffet to those three items, I can keep squirrels at bay.

Great Backyard Bird Count

The GBBC runs Feb. 17-20. Find details and report your tallies at www.bird Only you can count birds in your yard. Let's put the Tri-State on the map — literally — and help the birds. Even if you have only a handful of sparrows, researchers need to know. What is — and isn't — here paints the national picture. Please help.
