Not the Solution I wanted

I have been looking for solutions to the huge problem of sparrow invasion. We know they are tiny take over birds but I thought with the right food, I could eliminate some of the problem.

They can clean out this feeder in a day. But as I watched today I saw what I think the real problem is…which is why I quit using sunflower seeds in the first place.

He is jumping from the fence to the platform feeder and then jumping onto the pole with the peanuts that are supposed to be for the woodpeckers. I have a slinky on the pole down at the bottom so they can’t climb the pole but jumping is different.

Dang yard Rats!! They are incredibly intelligent and resourceful. I need to rearrange the feeders this spring. I really need to get rid of the platform feeder but that one has sentimental value with it. So I will have to think outside the box on that one.

I will definitely go back to safflower seeds. That at least will keep the squirrels at bay. The things you do to enjoy watching the birds. Stay tuned for more spring pics as the weather warms and we get to play outside more. It’s coming…

Remember as the the temps begin to warm, let your heart warm as well and be kind.

FOTD, June 3, Darn Squirrels

Ever year as you start your work in your garden, there is usually a small deterring factor that can make it difficult. It could be a late spring, a freak storm right as the garden starts growing or local pests, insects or other critters.

Mine this year is squirrels. I have not been bothered by them in years past but this year they are a profound pest. Seeds were dug up and eaten, young plants were dug up while looking for seeds and for some reason they had a taste for seed potatoes.

While on one hand, they seem cute…on the other hand ENOUGH ALREADY!!

This year I planted (or trying to plant) a sunflower circle. The center (14′ dia) is mulched where we may put places sit. The outer was planted with various sizes of sunflowers creating a cascade effect in flowers…if the dang squirrels would quit digging up the seeds.

When I went to water this morning, again the young tender plants that were trying to come up were now gone along with evidence of multiple holes where other seeds were planted. FINE! I give up…sort of. I went back to the nursery and bought plants to at least have something to surround the cool circle. Maybe there will be enough seed that make it past these digging brats to at least show the purpose of the circle. Below are pictures of what I will plant tomorrow after church. Various types of yellow daisies, coreopsis, and something with a tiny yellow bloom that had no name tag. They all have the sunny smiles like the sunflower so at least we will have these.

Even when you are faced with digging brats or other situations that test your patience, smile on the inside and be kind. Kindness has a way to make all sour things taste just a little sweeter.

Feeder Pest

Those of us who spend money to be able to enjoy the birds, we don’t always appreciate the antics of these pesky thieves.

🙄

Some love to watch the antics of these creatures but they keep the birds from coming close so I have learned that if you only feed Safflower seeds, the squirrels don’t like them and stay away. But when someone donates a 12lb. bag of birdseed for your enjoyment you don’t complain.

🐷 Guess I should be glad its not a Racoon.

***I gave you food on the ground. Stay there!!***

They can be greedy little pigs as they will empty the feeder in a short amount of time.

***But they are quite amazing hanging by their feet!***

So I guess I will try what I did at home. Not sure if it really works as I changed to Safflower seeds at the same time. But we will add this to see…

The squirrels don’t like the movable slinky…supposedly. We will see.

While I wonder if a paint ball gun would be unkind in this instance…I always try to be kind.

Flying Ace, Diminishing Poetry

A New Flying Ace

I came to the feeder but there was not even a trace

Between the bird and the chipmunks, it’s a hard race

Timing must be right, to win the fight, to be the new ace.

There’s no time for sitting in the soft lawn chair

Where you can sit, relax and grow long your hair

Time is wasted, food is gone, leaving you only air.

Donna Matthews of Go Dog Go Cafe has tossed out the challenge for diminishing poetry. Since I had never tried it before, I gave it a shot.

Today’s poetry form is called Diminishing Verse Poetry. From Brewer, “The main rule of diminishing verse poetry is to remove the first letter of end word in the previous line.”

Come join in on the fun to see what you can do. And as always in whatever you do, remember to be kind. Let others shine with you.

Kind light