Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Squirrel Wars












I've been engaged in squirrel wars.   I noticed that my heavy duty plastic container had sunflower seed shells all around it. I couldn't see how they got into it because all my stuff was still sitting on the top of it. They couldn't any longer chew into the top. Today, I found that they had chewed a squirrel sized hole in the side. I don't know how their teeth even got a start in the side. They must have some tools hidden somewhere.

My high powered water gun worked for a while until they realized that the bird feeder had a roof and what was a little water going to do anyway. They are used to more rain than I was producing. They were climbing over the clever pole climbing block I designed. 

This morning I blocked the sides of my container, what's left of them. I also added an addition to my pole climbing block. I positioned my feeder where I had a better water shot at them. 

This weekend I bought them a bag of their favorite seeds and filled a bowl next to the tree for them. They were so full that they were burying the extra seed around the yard. I'll have sunflowers popping up all over..if I wait any time before mowing. 

It's worse than the Hatfields and McCoys. If anyone needs me, I'll be manning my high capacity, high powered assault water gun..unless they decide to outlaw it. I don't think there's a water gun lobby to protect my interest.

Squirrels were unable to climb the pole but were able to launch from the fence to get on the platform and to the seeds.  I had to add a modification to make the landing platform a little less landable.  

92 comments:

Carol said...

I took a pic of my water gun and it came out upside down. I then turned the pic upside down on my pic site and tried to post it, it came out upside down. I then went out and took the pic of it upside down and it came out sideways. Weird. Never had that happen before.

Carol said...

Coreen, I will have to pick up a metal container. I do spread some seeds on the ground for my doves. They like the cheap stuff that no other birds like.

Carol said...

They might not be able to climb over my new block but it will make a better platform for them to jump from the fence to it. I'm sure they will continue to win this war.

Carol said...

I'm not winning the carpenter bee war either. They're onto my electronic bug racket.

Carol said...

A squirrel just attempted to climb over my block. So far it worked. Give them time.

RebelliousRenee said...

Been trying to bring my last comment onto this post, but for some reason I can't seem to do it.

So let me paraphrase.... I too spread bird food on the ground around my feeders. It not only attracts squirrels, ground feeding birds, but my beloved turkeys as well. The turkeys leave for the winter.... but should be returning any day now.

I don't feed cheap stuff with millet. I use high quality feed with hulled sunflower seeds, nuts & dried fruit. I attract a wide variety of birds. I also put out a bird bath at this time of year... water attracts many birds.

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol....
I just lowered my baffle... hope it works... if not, it might be time to buy a 22 or at least a bb gun. Don't really relish the thought of killing anything, but I doubt very much that your water gun will work. Squirrels have been the bane of bird feeders forever.

And you must get rid of the plastic container. Coreen is right about the metal trash cans.... they are the only thing that keeps squirrels and mice out.

Carol said...

I do get a little of the cheap stuff for my doves. They like the cheap stuff. Sam's now has a really nice bag of quality bird seed. It's 40 pounds for a little over 20 bucks. If there is any of the cheap seeds in it, it's not enough to even notice. It's mostly sunflower seeds and the tiny seeds my tiny birds like. It also has fruit in it.

Carol said...

Can't kill or hurt my squirrels. They do aggravate me but I do love them also.

Carol said...

I have a little Indigo bunting out there now. Haven't seen many of them.

Carol said...

Hate to mention it but my Braves are the hottest team in baseball at this time. Hope they can keep it up. MLB channel has them on right now. Seldom ever get to watch them here.

RebelliousRenee said...

Yeah Carol... I hear ya.... squirrels be God's creatures too. That's why I feed them on the ground.

Jan... didn't mean to ignore your Vonnegut quote. I LOVE Vonnegut and have read every one of his books. I read his biography from Charles Shields "And So It Goes" last summer at the beach. He was actually much more conservative than some think. Like all of us... he was influenced by the time he lived in. He had a big house for years on Cape Cod. Rick and I go there every year with time share points. We are going this year the first week of June and plan on finding the house in the town of Barnstable. Thanks for mentioning him here.

Carol said...

I have a bird bath also. I just scrubbed the algae out of it this morning.

Carol said...

Anyone hear how Craig's dove family is doing? I'm afraid that no news may not be good news. Is his family in Washington or Florida.

I heard about those huge nasty look snails that have invaded Florida. They carry some kind of disease. They seem to have all kinds of crazy species invading that state. Too bad those snails don't eat those huge snakes they have taking over or those snakes don't eat the snails and choke to death.

Carol said...

My squirrels are so fat that they would make a nice squirrel Sauce Piquante. I've never eaten a squirrel and don't plan to ever eat one.

Squirrel Sauce Piquante

Don't eat rabbit either. I have eaten Bambi sausage. It's pretty good if I don't think about it. It's usually mixed with pork because venison is a pretty lean meat. My old Doc boss used to raise buffalo. It's also a very lean meat.

Carol said...

Shoulda kept my mouth shut about the Braves. KC is now one up.

Carol said...

So far my birds are enjoying their squirrel free feeder. I think the squirrels are off plotting. They ate a good bit of their bowl of sunflower seeds and buried a bunch of them.

Carol said...

I knew I should have kept my mouth shut. The Brave finally lost one. My fault.

Carol said...

So far, my squirrels have had no success in getting on the feeder from the climbing the pole approach. I see their little wheels turning about trying a jumping approach. I can still use my water gun to discourage that approach.

Carol said...

Well, those pesky squirrels did manage to jump over to the platform so I added a modification to make the platform less landable. We'll see how they tackle that. So far...squirrels about 6, Carol zip.

Carol said...

New pic added to the post.

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol...
your writing on fighting the squirrels is hilarious!

Hope you find a way to thwart them... they can eat you out of house and home in bird feed. Since I lowered my baffle this morning haven't had a squirrel in the feeders yet.... keepin' my fingers crossed... :)

Carol said...

Renee, I need both the mental challenge and the exercise.

Carol said...

I did have to sacrifice my 2 dollar large plastic bowl. I tried to use a metal bowl that I planted some lettuce in but couldn't drill a hole in the bottom. Before it's over, I may have my entire kitchen on that pole. You may have noticed that I also sacrificed a chip clip.

Carol said...

Renee, in my 40+ years in nursing, I had to invent/create, with what I had available on the nursing unit, all kinds of contraptions to use in my patient care. They now have nice manufactured things to do those same things. I find those skills do come in handy in other areas.

Carol said...

No squirrels since my latest modification to my feeder stand. I have almost a full feeder and usually it's been empty by this time. I'm now using my water gun to water some of my potted plants down below. I'll find a new purpose for it. I did try it on some of those dang carpenter bees.

Carol said...

If anyone has a new post they want to put up, please do. My squirrel wars post has served it's purpose.

jan said...

Carol, I too enjoyed your description of your adventures with your squirrels. I wish we had some squirrels. We had them in Little Rock outside our upstairs bedroom window. We had a wonderful tree outside that window and were greatly entertained early mornings with all the birds and squirrels. Our favorite was a beautiful woodpecker.

jan said...

John and I feel very sad tonight. The Episcopal priest that performed our marriage vows died last night. He was 92 and had been ill for a few weeks. He had a long and meaningful life. He went into the priesthood in midlife. He had been a banker. He and John were ordained as Episcopal priests at the same time, and thus became life-long friends. He was 71 when he did our vows and retired from full time service shortly after that 21 years ago.

Rest in Peace Father Lawson Anderson.

Carol said...

Sorry Jan about your priest friend. Does sound like he had a long and meaningful life.

RebelliousRenee said...

Jan...
so sorry for the loss of your friend. It seems you have some fond memories of him... glad of that for both you and John.

Coreen said...

Jan, sorry to you and John on the loss of your dear friend...sounds like you have wonderful memories of his influence in your lives, that may add comfort to you both at this time...

Coreen said...

Morning news...gotta love the fans at the Boston Bruins game...the video of them joining in the singing the National Anthem, an example of American spirit & grit...

in contrast, they arrested an elvis impersonator for sending the
maybe ricin laced letters...now that is truly disturbing...

RebelliousRenee said...

I saw it live last night, Coreen....
it brought tears to both Rick's and my eyes.

If you want to pick a Kentucky Derby horse, you're welcomed to sit with Craig, David, and I on Itsmyluckyday.... the jockey's first name is Elvis.

jan said...

Strange about the fertilizer explosion in the TX town last night. It does sound like an accident. Hope so.

Renee, I have not read any of Vonnegut's books, but after reading many quotes from his books, his books sound interesting.

jan said...

Thanks to all of you for your kind words on the loss of our friend.

jan said...

First hummer reported to be seen in ALB by one of my friends.

Carol said...

Jan, my hummers are starting to slow down.

Carol said...

Can you believe that they had a fertilizer plant next to a neighborhood, a school and a nursing home.

We can thank those who are opposed to any government oversight and regulation. That company told the town there was absolutely no risk to the community. Thank you Republicans for all your care and concern for people. Unfortunately your luck has been running out. Hopefully, you will go with it.

Coreen said...

All my fear for my team continues...Derek has a fracture in the ankle that just showed up in a scan & now Cashman says he won't be playing until at least
after allstar break...since before the season started my biggest concern (and my friends too) was that Derek may not play again...this makes me very, very unhappy....

RebelliousRenee said...

Coreen...
sorry about Jeter... I have a lot of respect for him.... not only is he a very good ball player... he seems to be genuinely a good person.

Jan... I should warn you that Vonnegut's work isn't like anyone's else's.... if you read any of his books, you might think you're reading someone's dreams. His most famous book is "Slaughter House Five"... I absolutely love it... but I'm sure it's not for everyone.

Coreen said...

With the drama playing out in Boston this a.m., wondering how
I would respond to the directive to
'shelter in place'...

If you are told to not leave your home as a result of a citywide lockdown,(extraordinary action itself) with an active hunt for
a 'terrorist'... what do I have to do to be prepared to protect myself & mine...& hey I don't know
the answer to that, but it is disconcerting to know that there is potential that you can be told
to lock yourself in your home & wait til someone does well not sure what...

Carol said...

Coreen, I've been watching the coverage since just after 3A my time. It's a real head scratcher. The younger brother doesn't seem to match any kind of profile of someone who would do something like this. More has been reported by friends of his than the older brother. Maybe the older brother was leading this. The pics of the younger brother didn't indicate that he was anxious about what he was involved in either.

All that makes it more scary. If they had any power terrorist backing, they were left to fend for themselves. They seemed to have no plan for escape.

Coreen said...

No idea what the true nature of either of them may be...bottom line, they both acted to kill americans...my instincts tell me that they thought they were home free initially & once the pics were made public they knew they needed to run...hence the 7/11 robbery, cop killing, gun fight...

also, do not for a minute think that they are alone in this, they have resources from somehwere, since how have they been supporting themselves since whenever they arrived here...the father has been interviewed living in Russia...

whether they where hostile to u.s.a
originally, who knowd, who cares, somewhere along the line they became indocrtinated into the hate us crew, & yes I know they claim to be muslim/islam whatever...those ties will likely be exposed at some point..

Carol said...

Coreen, they have lived here and gone to school here for approx 8 years. They have relatives here, at least an uncle. They went to high school here. One went to a Boston College, majoring in engineering. The younger one worked, even as a life guard in the summer. The younger one has many friends, none of his friends had a clue and didn't even want to recognize him as one of the suspects because it was too unlike him. They have talked to a number of the younger guy's friends. They saw nothing.

Carol said...

Now if you listen to Glen Beck or Fox News or your other radical nut sites, I bet they have connected them with all kinds of things.

Carol said...

Everyone who spent time with at least the younger one, couldn't believe that he was involved in any of this.

Carol said...

When I went to feed my cats, I heard a little of Glen, the nutcase, Beck trying to stir up jihad. Hope he doesn't get innocent people killed.

Carol said...

The friends/employers who did call in hadn't had contact with the younger one in about 6mo to a year. Whatever happened must have happened in that time. Most people who called in didn't know the older brother very well.

Carol said...

I'm thinking that maybe the big brother may have been the instigator. May have been radicalized by something on the Internet. No report of this.

It was reported that the older one didn't drink or smoke, more consistent with Muslim practices. The younger one did drink and smoke pot. This was all reported by friends who called into the news.

Carol said...

What's scary is that someone who appears to be a normal, adapting teenager can turn on a dime and become a cold blooded killer.

Carol said...

After hearing CNN interview person after person, friends, school mates, coaches, employers, etc and every one of them has nothing but nice things to say about the younger brother, I can see why his mom and dad in Russia and aunt in Canada think that there's some kind of conspiracy.

This is a very strange story. Now I haven't heard much about the older brother. It's interesting that they haven't found anyone who knew the older brother. Most of the younger brother's friend didn't even know he had an older brother.

It's also very weird that he can evade all the police presence that is out there. I feel like I've been watching a bad dream all day.

Carol said...

Also heard that with as many bullets that were flying, it's a wonder how the kids didn't get hit, at least once. Even the houses in the neighborhood were full of bullet holes.

Carol said...

Thank God it is over and they got him alive. I hope they can learn what turns a young likable guy into a killer. His older brother did seem to have some issues. It was reported that the FBI had already investigated that guy in 2011 on the request of another country.

jan said...

Thank God. Prayers are with all of Boston and surrounding area, and especially the patients and families of those killed and injured. Good job police and all public servants involved in the apprehension of the suspect.

jan said...

Carol, I wonder too how this could happen to someone when so many people had nice things to say about him. It is sad that this country gave these 2 young men asylum and opportunities. The news said the oldest had become a citizen in recent years.

I am wondering what was behind the older brother's statement that he did not have one American fried and that he did not understand Americans.

After all the opportunities they were given and then they turn on a country that gave them those opportunities. Reminds me of the saying about "..biting the hand that feeds them."

jan said...

fried=friend

jan said...

It will be interesting to find out where the older brother went for 6 months when he left the country recently and who he spent time with.

I am somewhat annoyed at the father of the boys in Russia - who is concerned his younger son's live is in danger. What about all the people these young men killed and injured and their families.

Carol said...

As a mother, I would think it would be easier for you to understand how a parent would have trouble seeing their children as ruthless killers, especially in light of how people described the kids. It's not like what we've seen on the news made it totally clear to those parents that they were guilty even though most of us here feel that they were.

Carol said...

Evidently another country gave the FBI a warning to watch the older brother. He was investigated by the FBI in 2011. You would think that after that and then his going to spend time in Russia, he would have been watched a little more carefully. It kinda reminds me of that comment about...they're going to fly planes into buildings, prior to 911.

Carol said...

I'm hoping that we and the media can focus more on all the stories of love and caring that this tragedy brought out. There were thousands of those stories.

I hope that hate does not trump love. I saw so much love in that city this week.

Carol said...

And what about these big businesses that try to maximize profits instead of making their facilities safe for those working in them or for the communities where they reside? Maybe that applies to that West Texas fertilizer plant. It certainly applies to BP and many other corps around this country. Do they qualify as terrorists?

Carol said...

I do understand that anger is a necessary and early part of the grief process.

Carol said...

You are aware Jan that where I live is surrounded by big industry. If one of those places goes, it would start a chair reaction that would end up taking out all of SW La. Some of those industries have a reputation for sloppy safety practices. I've heard many of the employees who work in that particular industry say that it's cheaper for that company to pay death benefits than for them to fix some of their serious safety issues.

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol... I too think it's normal for parents to be protective of their children... even when they are accused of heinous crimes.

Too many things happening all around the world to take it all in. And the people of Russia have seen way many more tragedies than we have. I can understand why the father said what he said.

I also think it's normal for people to concentrate on the things happening in their own country. So, I can understand why Jan said what she said.

Carol said...

I hope no other young people feel they would like to copy cat what was done in Boston. I hope they can see that these two young men with lots of potential and pretty good lives are now either dead or will have no life to speak of. We are fortunate that this kind of thing is very rare, unlike what people is so many other countries experience on almost a daily basis. Thank God for the good old USA.

Carol said...

I do realize that anger is an important part of our grief but yesterday, when I saw those parents on TV, I felt so sorry for them. It couldn't be easy to not only deal with the news of one son's death but the fact that their children could be responsible for so much death and destruction. I saw the anguish on that father's face.

Carol said...

My squirrel blocking contraption hasn't been 100% effective but it has significantly decreased their seed stealing activity. The birds do get more eating time.

RebelliousRenee said...

Yeah Carol....
that father looked pretty bad and the uncle in Maryland looked and sounded really stressed too. Bet the uncle is now worried that people of Chechen descent will now be discriminated against in this country the same way middle easterners are...

Carol said...

I'm not as admiring of law enforcement as most are. I figured that kid was injured and probably hiding nearby. Someone last night mentioned that no one came to check out their houses and yards where the kid was found and they said it was only 4 blocks away. With 8000+ members of law enforcement/National guard in the area, they should have started where that kid ditched the vehicle and fanned out, looking through all the yards. It was also highly likely that he was injured and dripping blood. They needed some dogs to help track that.

I saw so many of the cops standing around in the streets or jumping in their vehicles running from site to site. Whoever was running that operation needs to rethink his methods. It took the homeowner to go outside and see the blood on his boat to catch the guy.

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol...
Pogo told you on TM that where the kid was hiding was outside of the locked down area. You and I (or anyone else) don't really know what the police did or didn't do. We only saw things from a very limited range from the tv cameras.

I worked for the police department of this one horse town years ago. I can tell you from my experiences with them and surrounding departments that most cops are well meaning... but like all human beings they can be arrogant and do stupid things.

With that said... it doesn't mean I know one thing about how this operation was handled.... and neither do you. The police asked for citizens to help.... to call if they see anything suspicious.... they did... I don't see what you see is so wrong with that.

RebelliousRenee said...

Now I'm sure you'll argue your butt off with me. Gonna go to lunch with Rick and watch the hockey and baseball game.

Speculate all you like.... but, IMO, thinking you know what really happened because you watched it on television is a fool's game.

Carol said...

Well, one neighbor, three houses down, did say that someone did go through his yard. I stand corrected. One of the neighbors on TV last night said that no one went through his yard or house.

Carol said...

I need to start watching some cartoons.

Carol said...

Or continue to worry about my pesky squirrels.

Carol said...

Hope your Red Socks get to play today and they aren't rained out. Ya'll need a good baseball/soccer healing up there.

Carol said...

Go RED SOCKS

Carol said...

Now, I have to go out and find some fat girl clothes. I have only one pair of blue jeans that with lots of effort I can zip up.

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol.... LOL about the jeans...

Well all three of my teams played today... only the Red Sox won. And the best thing... they came from behind in the 8th inning with a 3-run homer to take the game 4-3.... and the other best thing.... when they sang Sweet Caroline in the 7th inning (which they traditionally do at every home game), Neil Diamond came out onto the field to sing it with them.

Carol said...

That's cool Renee. It was KC that broke the Braves winning streak so congrats. I did see that they won. I have an app on my iPhone that follows all the BB games.

Coreen said...

Fat girl jeans...isn't that why elastic & stretchable waist bands were created...

Looking outside today, it appears to be a beautiful spring day, warm sun, but hey its only just pushing 40....windy & cold...

Coreen said...

Neil Diamnod makes an appearance on his own...just goes to show there are still some good guys out there...

And cheers to Big Papi, with his short & powerful message of support to all of Boston...

RebelliousRenee said...

Ahhhhh....
it's Monday morning..... start of a new day... and start of a new week. Gonna run outside in a few minutes to re-fill my bird feeders and draw in a big breath of fresh spring air...

Coreen said...

It's another sunny, but a little chilly day...not quite as windy as yesterday...I do prefer this to humid & hot though...I could live happily with between 65-72 temps...all summer...

Not sure if anyone gets to see or hear cicadas...looks like around here (maybe if I'm lucky, just a litle east of my town) the 17 year clan is about to emerge...I have been hearing what I call tree frogs for a few weeks, guess they are the other clan that comes out each year...they are really loud...
17 year cicadas about to make a noisy return

Coreen said...

Carol and Jan...are you both taking some time off...hope that both of you are ok...remember Carol, you always ask that everyone check in just to be sure that all is ok...so I'm sending out the same message...

RebelliousRenee said...

I want to alert you guys to a post I put up on TM this morning. My hubby, Rick, was interviewed for one of our largest cities Sunday newspaper, The Nashua Telegraph, about a hiking trail that he helps maintain.
They also put up a short video of him talking about and working on the trail. I linked to both the newspaper article and the video over there if any of you are interested.

Coreen said...

Watched it Renee...with no surprise Rick looks to be a great guy...am sure it requires lots of time, effort & work to maintain
the trail by some very committed people volunteering to keep the trail together...

And its a great reminder for Earth Day...

RebelliousRenee said...

Coreen....
yes, it does involve a lot of work and commitment. There is going to be a number of special guided hikes along the trail this year in honor of it's 90th year. This was Rick's idea and he had to co-ordinate the whole thing. He's leaving this weekend to go to a trails maintenance workshop in the northern part of our state. He said this has now become his full-time job.
Good thing he loves it.

Carol said...

Very cool Renee. I couldn't wait to get over to TM to check out your video. Is there anyway you can get some pics out of it to put up as a post here. It would make a neat Earth Day post.

If you can't do that, do you have any other pics of Rick and the Trail?

Carol said...

I just got back from my house. I had asked my neighbor here to mow my grass over there with my new lawnmower because I wasn't sure I could even manage to do that anymore. I have been doing more and getting some of my energy back after 4 months of pretty much doing nothing.

I decided I would get brave and try to do the mowing myself today. I was really nervous about doing it but I did. I'm proud I did it myself. I wasn't even sure I could manage to unchain everything much less doing all the mowing. It is a riding mower but it's a big thing and I was just scared. I got thru that. I had a pretty good weed field going.

My yard stays damp if we get a lot of rain in the spring. I was also afraid that I might get the mower bogged down. My last zero turn had problems with that if I hit wet ground. I didn't have that problem either. My new mower is much more powerful.

Carol said...

I hired a friend of my neighbors yesterday to pick up limbs in the yard. It took him 5 hours to do that. That's something I used to do myself also but I certainly didn't mind giving up that chore.

RebelliousRenee said...

Ok Carol....
Rick recently took my camera (because it's small and can fit in your pocket) when he went with a friend to do some work on the trail. I put up the pictures he took...... so.....

New Post!