No lake effect on the east side of the state. We are probably a 6 hour drive from Pittsburgh and even further to Lake Erie. It definitly gets colder here. We typically have at least a few days in the single digits or teens (F). This winter was particularly cold with a 3+ week period in the single digits. It killed (or nearly killed...TBD) our Japanese Holly. Many other plants are struggling, but the weather has been very up and down this spring as well.
I have enough problems keeping the squirrels out of my bird feeders. The first year, hot sauce in the seed kept them away. But after that they seem to have gotten used to the spice. Conical deflectors, lithium grease on the pole, scented deterrents...nothing seems to work. I wouldn't even care if they weren't so greedy. They dump the entire feeder out on the ground at once, so then the birds don't get much of any.
I will recommend a feeder that for me is pretty squirrel resistant. They do figure out that they can jump on them and jump off and some seed falls to the ground, but they don't seem to be doing that much more now. Guess more effort than what it was worth. I've had them for 10+ years and very happy with them as long as they are hung far enough away that they cannot just reach over and grab some seed without putting their weight on them. I also use a spring clip/clamp to hold the hanging wire on the hanging pole. They are called Squirrel Busters by Brome. There are two types, one where this wire surround will pull down and cover up the feeding ports if something heavy get on them. That's the type I have - the original - all that was available when I bought them. The other type is electronic and twirls when a squirrel gets near the feeding ports and they go slinging off. It's a hoot seeing them trying to hang on and then go flying. Raccoons are a problem, so I do have to bring them in at night. If I had a hanger arm that was long enough where the raccoons could not reach, I likely would not have a problem with them either. They also have a Suet Feeder that is pretty resistant also. I have it for the woodpeckers although other birds use it too. Don't get me wrong, they are a little pricier than the wallyworld feeders, but what you can save in seed - they repay for themselves over and over. There is also a no question guarantee that if anything breaks, they will replace and pay for shipping. I've had to use it a couple of times as raccoons can be hard on them when I forget to bring them in at night. I've offered to pay for the part because I left it out and raccoons damaged it, but they said nope, we'll send the part anyways. Have a local bird shop that sells them and usually has stock of replacement parts, but if not just contact the home office and bang it is at your house.
When I move here we only had native red pine squirrels, but have not seen pine here in 20 years. Non native Grey's killed off the reds. I hate them, so does the dog...
Correction, Rarely have lake effect in Philly area but very common in the Poconos and Endless Mountains.
The electrified feeders work well. Grounded cables to insulators to feeder. Birds land on the feeder, no issues. You need to check if they are legal in your area.
Ya would not even have to cook them. Fast food, this could be a winner... now how do I get past PETA220 would be the ticket with a switch in the house.
store.bromebirdcare.com
I had a landlady that use to trap squirrels in a cage then sank the cage in a barrel full of water. Her kill was up over 500! She kept track of the buggers!
Honestly, i don't even like persimmons, so maybe i don't need you to be self fertile anyway. It will grows if it doesn't fruit, right? Probably better to keep the deer away.
I actually do have a squirrel proof feeder, but they have figured it out. It's like yours... Wire cage that pulls down with weight to cover feeding ports. The problem is that the gray squirrels are so big that they can hang on to the mounting/hanging wire with their hind legs and reach down to the bottom of the 18" long feeder without putting weight on the feeder itself... Smart little SOBs, I'll say.
I'm pretty sure I've only ever seen gray here. They have been everywhere for as long as i can remember. They are like an infestation.
I do have exterior 110 outlets very nearby, but i doubt the township would allow that lol. Plus, is that even safe for young kids?
I don't think i could bring myself to do that. That's some psychopathic s**t
