May 17. For two years I have been hearing but seldom seeing the amazing variety of birds that abound in and around the mission home. In our West Valley home in Utah I put up a bird feeder and saw a lot of sparrows and finches, but that was about it. So I went to Pet Smart and got a bird feeder and bird seed to see if I could induce them to come out of the woods where I could see them up close. I hung it on the patio from some 2x4’s left over from the construction of the home eight years ago. I wondered if I would have trouble with the squirrels.

Jun 2. I got up this morning to find the squirrel hanging from the birdfeeder enjoying breakfast. How did he get up there? The bucket was in place. Sharon has named him Einstein. As soon as I opened the patio door the thief jumped down and ran. I went back in the house. Only to see him fly through the air from the roof of the home and land spread eagle on the bird feeder. It was a leap of 6 and a half feet. Unbelievable! Not only he is smart, but he is quite an athlete. So I moved the pole from the side of the patio to the corner which would require a leap of 12 feet.
I went on line to see if I could find a better cone to put on the pole. There are plenty and quite pricey. One squirrel proof feeder I saw when activated by the weight of the squirrel would start a battery operated motor that would spin the rascals off. I got some satisfaction in watching the demonstration video. I could also tell that I’m not the only one in the world trying to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.