It Strikes Me Funny: PT 2 A squirrel-proof feeder? We’ll see

[“There is some argument - soon to be resolved - concerning my standing in the halls of those determined word workers who have produced squirrel-proof bird feeders without expensive tools, fancy materials or any instructions from NASA scientists.” GH, Dec.10]

To hinder squirrels from feasting on seeds inside last year’s feeder, I attached bottles, cans and wooden barriers to the clothesline, and upped the code to 7-7-7-7 to thwart the many advances in the diet and conditioning of London’s squirrels.


["Someday, I should put a feeder on top of a greased pole.": photo GH].

While I waited to see the results of my ingenious plan, a friend told me he was willing to bet five bucks on the squirrels. He said I wasn’t onto something other than the path toward another failed attempt. Yes, he admired my diligence, but felt I was deluded if I imagined myself cleverer than a squirrel.

I’m glad I didn’t take the bet.

One day I saw three squirrels huddling on a fence rail, then turn and approach my deck, and while two served as lookouts, the biggest and brightest furry beast, after one last look at his notes, ran toward a snow drift - away from the feeder.

Before I could say ‘what the heck,’ it bounced off the drift, sprang toward a support pole (used to keep the feeder seven feet above the deck), catapulted from it toward the feeder. In midair it twisted to right itself and - unbelievably - grabbed the feeder with two front paws. I gasped. It lifted a hind leg, clutched the feeder’s edge and rolled itself into the seed bed.

Standing alone in the back room, I spontaneously applauded, then caught myself and cursed. Good grief. Back to the drawing board I went.

How’d I do?

Stay tuned.

***

Please click here to read PT 1 A squirrel-proof feeder? We’ll see

.