I am getting ready for another season of watching winter birds for Project Feederwatch. Recently one of my old bird feeders crashed and broke into pieces. I had strung a cable from a crab apple tree to the top of the deck. I suspended the feeder on the cable. To deter the squirrels I had strung milk bottles, large juice containers and pie plates along the cable. To be truthful, it looked a little trashy. And the squirrels could still tightrope their way across. The gray squirrels walked above the rope and the red squirrels clambered across below the rope. I really didn't want another season of keeping a loaded super soaker by the back door. Instead I sunk part of a 6 foot 2x2 into the ground. Over that I put a 5 inch length of 4 inch diameter pvc pipe. I hope the squirrel arms are not long enough to skinny their way up the thick pvc pipe. I suspended a bird feeder and a suet holder to that. I've had it up almost 3 weeks and so far I haven't seen a single squirrel on it. I haven't seen a single woodpecker yet either but they should find it soon. The nuthatches, goldfinches and chickadees like it though. Over time I have come to realize just how crafty the squirrels are. I don't think this one will be squirrel proof forever but if I can keep them off it for six months, I'll be happy.
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