squirrel update.

the weather is cooler, so i had to switch to peanut oil on the shepherd's hook because coconut oil tends to solidify and isn't slippery enough.

not wanting to attempt this in winter, i've ordered one of those baffles, which people say keeps the beasts away from the feeders.

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

so the birds have a chance.

@holon42 Also, tube feeder cages, though they also stop larger birds

@gemswinc

i like Jays and Grackles.

Grackles can be feeder hogs, bringing the whole damn flock.

over several years, i've trained them to come in small groups, and not to cover all the feeders.

so far, it's working, even with new generations.

i also tighten the spring on the peanut feeder to make access more difficult for larger birds.

but i do want red bellied woodpeckers when they're around.

it's a continuing learning process. i learn from them and they study me.🤗

@holon42 So do I. They get fed on the ground or a platform feeder. I have the caged tube feeder for the smaller birds.

I also highly recommend lifelong suet feeders for squirrel-proof suet, Woodpeckers love them. I have a more open squirrel-proof suet feeder too, for Jays & Grackles. The squirrels & chipmunks get plenty from ground or platform 😃

You have trained the grackles? Wow. I've tried training turkeys w/ limited success. They too can become a nuisance.

@gemswinc

i've only ever had a turkey here once, a female who checked things out thoroughly in early spring, but decided against nesting here.

Grackles are smart. it took several times taking all feeders down when they gang mobbed them.

it meant others weren't getting fed either but they weren't anyway.
after awhile the grackles would depart. i'd replace the feeders, and repeat as necessary.

a couple weeks and they thinned out their numbers and started leaving some feeders open for others.

@holon42 Impressive! I wondered what your method was.

I've had some pretty smart turkeys, they send out sentries, we play games.

Some catch on that what is wanted is only a few at a time, then go. The leaving is where we run into issues. Too easily domesticated.