We've been feeding the birds, squirrels and whatever other wildlife roam the area around the house. For instance the compost pile has been an open-all-hours delicatessen for the deer, possums, raccoons and box turtles (probably skinks too but I haven't seen one yet) as we live on the edge of a large woodsy habitat. One summer the box turtle just decided not to fool around and took up residence in the compost pile. And often we just toss left over rice, stale bread and other goodies otver the back porch railing.
Then we decided that the birds deserved their own special restaurant so we erected a plywood platform extending from the kitchen window over the sink so that we could open the window and load it up with birdseed.
Immediately the cardinals, bluejays, finches, flickas and birds I can't identify began to frequent our new establishment. But it wasn't long after that a squadron of squirrels arrived in force. They climb up the side of the house, look around, then launch themselves to land with a thud on the plywood feeding station. We hear this going on all day. They are rambunctious and assertive, so now we're thinking of setting up a "BIRDS ONLY" feeder.
Of course I love the squirrels! When I put food on the platform I make a chirping sound to let all the animals know that food has arrived. Often I have seen birds and squirrels eating at the same time....
dagvald 9 months ago