Yesterday I was in a bird feeding supplies store looking for a squirrel baffle for our feeder pole. Squirrels can climb our skinny, slick feeder pole with no problem whatsover and clean out our sunflower seed feeder in a matter of minutes, probably as much due to swinging around on the feeder trying to get a foothold as by actually eating from the feeder. No matter. Once they empty the feeder, they can return to the ground to eat whatever seeds fell.
As it happened, I was unable to find a baffle that would fit our pole, but I did hear an interesting remark from the sales clerk helping me: "Hard to believe there's an industry built around frustrating squirrels." It is, come to think of it. I noticed too that there were at least four or five different brands of baffle, all functioning in a slightly different way, which means there are also competing theories about how best to stymie the clever rodents.
So much energy and thought expended to assure that birdseed gets to its intended recipents. Of course, its nothing compared to people dreaming up and experimenting with all sorts of flies for catching trout. True, fishing is more complicated and practiced under a wide variety of conditions, though it may not be much more significant in the greater scheme of things.
Squirrel baffling is evolving into a mamalian analog to catch and release fishing. Among the selling points listed on the baffles' labels is the fun one can have watching the squirrel perform unintentional acrobatics as it tries to circumvent the barrier. You cause the creature some discomfort, take some pleasure from the experience, but ultimately let it go unharmed. No license required, and no closed seasons.
With trout season six months away, I guess I need to find a baffle and get in on the fun.
Tag: Nature
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