Can a Levitating Bird Feeder Foil the Squirrels?

Summary

A homeowner has found a successful strategy to prevent squirrels from accessing bird feeders by placing two "levitating" feeders in a Goldilocks Zone on the sunroom wall.

Abstract

The author describes their success in deterring squirrels from bird feeders by strategically placing two feeders on the sunroom wall, making them appear to levitate. These feeders, attached with transparent suction cups, are positioned at an optimal height and location to prevent squirrels from reaching them, either by jumping from the ground or dropping from the roof. This Goldilocks Zone is a result of trial and error, ensuring that the feeders are accessible to birds like the House Finch, which the author observed using the feeder, but not to the squirrels. The article also acknowledges that the squirrels have free rein over the other, non-levitating feeders in the backyard.

Opinions

The author expresses satisfaction with the current squirrel-proof setup of the bird feeders, implying that previous attempts were less successful.
There is a sense of humor and admiration in the author's description of the squirrels' acrobatic abilities, particularly their mastery of the "Sideways Leap."
The author seems to have a fondness for both the birds and the squirrels, as they are not trying to eliminate the squirrels' access to food entirely, just to the bird feeders.
The mention of Vidya Sury and the inclusion of links to other articles suggests that the author values community and the sharing of stories or experiences.
The author finds significance in the placement of the feeders, likening it to the Goldilocks Zone, a term usually reserved for exoplanet habitability, indicating a thoughtful and scientific approach to the problem.
By thanking the readers and referencing an essay on Roe v. Wade, the author subtly indicates a broader interest in societal issues beyond the immediate context of bird feeding.

Levitating bird feeder. House Finch inside.

I was reading in the sunroom when a House Finch came to the feeder.

The feeder is attached to the glass wall of the sunroom with transparent suction cups. In the photo that I took, it looked as if the feeder were levitating.

Of the eight feeders in our backyard, only the two “levitating” ones attached to the sunroom wall have proved squirrel-proof.

Thus far.

After much trial and error, we arrived at (what seems like) the Goldilocks Zone. The perfect location for the feeders on the sunroom wall. We positioned them:

High enough so the squirrels can’t sproing off the ground and land squarely among the nuts and grain.

But not so high up, they can drop from the sunroom roof into the feeder like ungentle rain.

Almost midway between the garage wall and the house wall. This is necessary to foil the Sideways Leap. The critters are masters of this move.

Other than these two feeders, the squirrels are welcome to the non-levitating ones.

Like they’re waiting for permission.

Thanks for reading! 🌻

Some more of this author’s stuff:

Here’s an essay by Bebe Nicholson that really resonated with me. It’s unconnected to squirrels but it is connected to Roe v. Wade.

Can a Levitating Bird Feeder Foil the Squirrels?

Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle

Levitating bird feeder. House Finch inside.

Breakfast With The Birds

undefined

Winterberry: The Day after Christmas

And another curious fact about the Winterberry Holly