Thanks to a friend who faithfully reads my blogs, I may have a solution to my squirrel problem. (See my earlier blog titled What’s the Solution??)  Don’t misunderstand: I love having the squirrels in my yard; I have encouraged them with tempting treats.  BUT they are not welcome on bird feeders!!  My friend sent an e-mail with the link to a possible solution: 13 Amazing Uses for WD-40.  She said “Lorraine, look at #1….”  Within moments, I hiked from my apartment to the T@B trailer (in the RV Park) to retrieve my can of WD-40.  Back at the apartment, I immediately sprayed the top of the two baffles and the long hook.  I sprayed poles and Shepherd’s Hooks.  Now I’ll wait to see if the “slippery solution” works.

Postscript, 8:45 AM: I published the blog (above) at 7:00 AM and I’m adding this postscript less than two hours later. Spraying WD-40 on the pole did not stop the squirrel from climbing the pole of “the Masterpiece.”

Postscript, 8:45 PM: When my dear, thoughtful, considerate friend read the above message, she did some more research. Less than an hour ago I read her e-mail message with a new web link.  She suggested a Slinky and, fortunately, I have several (because I buy toys all year for Operation Christmas Child).  ~~  It will take a lot of work to attach a Slinky to “the Masterpiece.”  I’ll have to disassemble it so a Slinky surrounds the pole.  That is a task for another day.  ~~  “If at first I don’t succeed, I’ll try, try again.”  I don’t want to be “out-foxed” by a squirrel!!

Postscript, 2:00 PM, Wed. May 23rd:  I have to confess that the Slinky did not prevent a squirrel from getting on the bird feeder!!  If it weren’t so serious (to me), the battle with the squirrels would be humorous.  (Right??)

The battle continues; WD-40 and a Slinky did not keep the squirrels from the bird seed feeders.  Obviously, the “baffles” do not present an obstacle.  ~~  I prepared this at 7:00 PM, Thurs., May 24th.  I backdated this blog so it follows those with similar story-line.  “I’ll not be defeated!!  Eventually, I will find an answer.”

Slowly, very slowly I’m making progress with my “downsizing” project.  This past week I advertised “free stuff”–over the weekend–at my trailer park site.  I encouraged others to bring their free stuff.  We were blessed with numerous recipients!!  ~~  Recently, I vowed I would not carry items back into the apartment–after the T@B rally.  Gratefully, three weeks later, the extra items have found a new home and/or been dropped off at a Thrift Shop.

I was thrilled beyond description when I arrived home from work and saw a Bluebird in my yard. Only time will tell; it appears a Bluebird couple is considering the brand-new Bluebird house. (I mounted that bird house less than one week ago!! Have “they” been house-hunting and I didn’t know they were visiting my yard??)  I have been anxious for Bluebirds (and Hummingbirds) in my yard.  I’ve seen both… this past week.  Oh joy!!

Nine (9) squirrels in my yard this morning!!  (I couldn’t get all… in one picture.)  It was a circus of acrobatics and high-wire acts.  Yes, one squirrel walked down the hook supporting two baffles–and feasted on bird seed.  ~~  What’s the solution??  ~~  It is a cloudy,  cool morning so I’ve  seen more activity than usual.  ~~  I’ve squandered the morning watching “the circus,” taking pictures and developing this blog.  Yes, I have better things to do with my time!! ~~ (Did you notice? I spray-painted the old baffle green, between the blog titled “Never-ending battle with the squirrels!!” and “What’s the solution??”)

 
I tore myself away from the blog to water the Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato plants, and other plants, and discovered my fine furry friends had gnawed holes in the lid of the whole peanuts storage container.  Now we have a battle between man (woman) and beast (squirrel).

Forrest Gump said: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” ~~  The squirrels frantically raid the bird feeders although they have feeders specifically for them. ~~  A cottontail rabbit spent half-an-hour eating at the squirrel feeder. ~~  Last four telephoto and/or cropped pictures are the best of two dozen pictures taken through the glass patio sliding door (from my easy chair). ~~ To repeat something I’ve said previously: “I love my backyard–and the wildlife!!”

En route home from the chiropractor appointment (and shopping) we experienced a cloudburst with thunder and lightning.  The two-lane highway became deep with water.  Cars in front, and cars approaching, were throwing a huge spray of water on traffic.  The windshield wipers couldn’t keep the windshield clear!!  By the time I got home, the rain had stopped.  I unloaded bird seed, squirrel feed, and groceries.  I took a picture of the first tomato blooms.  Then, suddenly, the sky opened up with another torrential downpour.  Strangely, the sun was shining, too.  In my youth, I often heard “Rain and the sun is shining; rain this time tomorrow.”  I did a Google search and found a variety of explanations for “sunshower.”  The weatherman is just confirming (6:20 PM) that “we will have another round of thunderstorms tomorrow.”  My pictures don’t clearly show the rain (sorry).

Above pictures from the front porch.

Below pictures from my back patio.

Remember the song You’ll Never Outfox the Fox?  I wonder if my squirrel friends  sing a similar song??  This morning I had seven squirrels in my back yard.  Although they have their own feeders, and there is bird seed scattered in the lawn, they continue to climb (or jump) to feeders specifically for the birds.  I have an ongoing battle with my cute little furry friends!!

Postscript, 2:00 PM: Moments ago, while I was eating my salad lunch on the patio (before it started raining), a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird enjoyed some nectar from the Hummingbird feeder. Oh joy; a Hummingbird less than four feet from me!! I love my backyard!!

Postscript, 3:00 PM: I always have my camera handy!! I looked out the window (it’s still raining) and observed a squirrel in one of my planters. “Hey, what are you doing in my Petunias?” His answer: “It’s my launching pad to the sunflower seeds!!”

Postscript, Monday, May 14th, 7:00 PM: I added a “Two piece Hanging Basket Spinner” in an effort to keep the squirrels off the birdseed feeder. The information on the package says “Keeps Hanging Baskets from Tangling in the Wind. Great for Plants, Wind Chimes, Bird Feeders, and Other Decorations.”   ~~  “Spinners” also added above the red, and black, sunflower seed feeders.

“Mary, Mary, quite contrary; how does your garden grow?“  ~~  Quite well, thank you!!  ~~  I spent almost the entire day in my backyard garden.  Besides replanting…, and relocating…, I made fresh nectar for the Hummingbird feeders, and rehydrated mealworms for the Bluebirds feeder.  I replenished the bird feeders with sunflower seeds, watered plants, swept the patio, etc., etc.  I ate my salad lunch on the patio watching my squirrel and bird friends feast on the bird seed scattered in the grass.  ~~  Last night, at 5:15, I had a visit from a Hummingbird that spent a long time drinking nectar.  I am so thrilled!!  This was the first time I observed a Hummingbird linger at one of my feeders.  I’ve spent a lot of time (and money) hoping to attract Hummingbirds. (No additional expenses with today’s project. I have an over-abundance of planters, etc., etc.)