Feed the Birds

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Living on a rural property, with many varieties of birds, gives us a constantly changing view. This past spring, we added a suet feeder to the collection of bird feeders spread within view of the house. We mounted it on a tree and watched the woodpeckers, nuthatches and blue jays feast. It took them about a week to peck their way through the suet/seed block. The second block was inserted and we prepared to be entertained. The next morning, the wire cage on the feeder was on the ground. The wooden back was still in place. The suet block was gone. Oh, those nasty raccoons. The nearby bird feeder had also been subject to a viscous attack. The lid was askew and the feeder empty. We replaced the feeder, only to have a repeat visit by the marauding raccoons. It took us a few days to improvise a plan to feed the birds, while discouraging the raccoons. Our solution was simple, we purchased some 'shepherds hook' plant holders, elevating them high enough from the ground and thin enough that the raccoons could not climb them. This has also been effective in keeping the squirrels out of the birdseed.