CountryByNet.com Forums :: NIght feeding seedeater (rare bird?)

Steve, the feeder structure is rebar. I put about 2 ft of scrap t-post into the ground with a couple feet above ground. The part above ground has a pair of washers welded horizontally, one near the top and another near the ground with a piece of scrap steel welded horizontal an inch below it as a thrust bearing for the vertical rebar that is about 7 ft high. There is an "X" of rebar welded to the top of the vertical rebar like a turnstile. Two of the ends of the turnstile part have washers welded to them with slots cut in top to accept the hangers of bird feeders.

Last year, big coons would climb up and out on the "X" part and bend it to the ground and get the seeds. I live trapped and deported a couple of those. These burglars are younger and smaller and don't bend the thing way over.

The 'coon in the picture is near the center of the "X" and was inching out toward the seed when I shot his picture. He can stay there indefinitely. Still a pretty good high wire act.

Climbing the 1/2 inch or 5/8, whatever rebar it is, 7 ft vertically is pretty good too. I will put a collar around the vertical like is used to keep rats from going between a ship and the shore on the mooring lines and that will be that. It will probably have to be wider than they can reach to grab the edge and higher up than they can jump.

My wife doesn't begrudge them a few seeds but they take them all every time and the birds don't get any. My mom isn't happy as they also empty her hummingbird feeders (climbing and eating seeds works up a thirst!)

Although there are black bear in Oklahoma and on rare occasion in this area, we have never seen a bear or sign. Puma are on the increase though with rumors that the game management types are releasing them to control the deer that are very much overpopulated.

Here is a bear story: My Niece and her husband lived between Big Bear lake and Lake Arrowhead above Los Angeles and had lots of problems with 'coons in their trashcans so when he heard a rattling in the trash cans one envening he dashed out to run off the coons and nearly crashed into a black bear. He retreated to the house, locked the door (as if bears woild operate a door knob), and got his gun. I told him he missed an opportunity. He could have hit the doorbell on the way back into the house and shouted out, "Honey, its for you!")

Pat

"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"

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