Squirrels & Critters, Informative  |  November 11, 2019

Squirrel Solutions-Distraction Feeding

By: Kaylee Paffrath

They scurry about your yard chasing each other up and down your trees. You laugh as they make laps around your freshly filled feeder and then it happens… you watch the squirrels as they stuff their mouths full, as if they really needed half of the fresh seed in the first place! Squirrels are notorious pests when it comes to stealing bird seed, but many of us find them cute and fun to watch. So, how can you have the best of both worlds – a feeder bustling with songbirds and a backyard of playful squirrels? Easy! Squirrel proof you bird feeders and offer goodies specific to your squirrels’ interests.

Remember the 5-7-9 rule when picking the location of your bird feeders. Squirrels don’t typically jump more than 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet across, or drop more than 9 feet down. If your bird feeders sit on a pole, consider a Songbird Essentials Squirrel Defeater SnapOn Pole Baffle that snaps right on to the pole without having to remove the feeder or make adjustments.

Squirrel Defeater Super Snap-On Pole Baffle

Are raccoons a problem as well? No problem! Try a heavy-duty Predator Defeater Pole Baffle from Songbird Essentials. Hanging baffles aid in more ways than just keeping squirrels away from seed, they also help protect seed and feeders from rain. Hanging baffles like the Songbird Essentials Hanging Baffle are great for feeders hung from hooks or in heavily wooded areas. Squirrel-proof feeders and cage feeders are designed specifically for keeping squirrels out and songbirds happy. Our most popular squirrel-proof feeders in-store are the Squirrel Buster Classic from Brome Bird Care and the Songbird Essentials Squirrel Defeater. The Squirrel Defeater features weight-controlled seed ports that close when a squirrel jumps on as well as a baffle top to keep squirrels off.

12” Hanging Baffle

Are you still feeling defeated in the battleground that was once your backyard? Consider a HOT product like Cole’s Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce™ that you mix in your birdseed. Birds love it, squirrels don’t. Cole’s Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce™ is made with two ingredients; liquid habanero chili pepper and soybean oil. Birds like bluebirds, cardinals, wrens, buntings, and finches enjoy the taste while squirrels will feel like their mouth is on fire and have no desire to try the seed again making it a win-win. Squirrels are easy to please, offer them some peanuts, special blend seed, or ear corn and they will take claim to your backyard.

Squirrel’s Referral
8 oz Flaming Squirrel

 

 

 

 

 

Squirrel’s Referral seed mix from Songbird Essentials’ name says it all – squirrels will refer it to all their furry friends like rabbits, chipmunks, even wild turkeys! You can get even more entertainment from squirrels with a Songbird Essentials Squngee Deluxe Squirrel Feeder or Squirrel Spinner, just mount and watch squirrels spin and bounce while going after ear corn. As always, we also offer a variety of classic squirrel feeders such as the new Songbird Essentials Squirrel Café Feeder or Squirrel Jar Feeder.

Squngee Deluxe
Squirrel Jar Feeder

 

 

 

 

 

 

Squirrels & Critters  |  January 22, 2019

How to Deter Squirrels

Although Songbird Station is a birding store, one other critter often dominates a conversation – squirrels! They’re often a headache for backyard birders, but they’re just doing what they need to survive. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to keep them from swiping the food in your bird feeders.

Some bird feeders are specifically designed to deter squirrels.

We feature them prominently inside our store, since they’re so popular. A customer favorite is the Squirrel Defeater Seed Feeder (SE980). It cleverly features 3 individually weight-controlled seed ports that will close if something heavy like a squirrel gets on them.

Baffles are another solution; they keep squirrels from climbing up (or down) to your feeders.

Pole-mounted baffles keep squirrels from climbing up poles and come in a variety of sizes. Our largest is the Predator Defeater (SESQR87), which also blocks raccoons. You can also view some hanging baffles in the store; we’ll help you choose the right one.

Another way to discourage squirrels is by choosing seeds that they don’t like to eat. Safflower seed tastes very bitter to most mammals, and will deter raccoons and deer as well as squirrels. However, cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and other birds, love it!

Click here for full brochure – Squirrel Deterring TIPs