Thwarting Eastern Gray Squirrels
By Myrna Pearman, Mother Nature’s Naturalist and Backyard Birding Expert
Squirrels can be a challenge at backyard bird feeding stations. Vancouver Island is home to three species of squirrels: the native Douglas Squirrel and European Red Squirrel, and one introduced species, the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Eastern Grey Squirrels, which are native to Eastern North America, were introduced into Stanley Park in 1909 and, in 1966, several individuals escaped from a game farm on Vancouver Island. They have expanded rapidly over the past years.
Large, adaptable and aggressive, Eastern Gray Squirrels not only threaten the smaller native Red Squirrel, but they also carry viruses, are voracious eaters of bird eggs and nestlings, and are even damaging the Garry Oak ecosystems. They also dig up lawns and gardens, strip the bark off nut and fruit trees, chew electrical wires, and damage buildings. So serious is their threat that they have been listed as one of the 100 most damaging invasive species in the world! They are now found in both urban and rural areas on Vancouver Island, especially around bird feeding stations.
To discourage these squirrels from occupying your yard, keep compost, garbage and pet food in secure storage. If you would like to offer food to ground-feeding birds, dispense just a small quantity of seed each day.
The best solution is to use squirrel-proof feeders to dispense your bird seed. These feeders are more expensive than regular tube or hopper feeders but are well worth the investment.
While feeders retrofitted with cages can be tried, the most effective squirrel-proof feeders are those which use some type of weight activation. These exclusion feeders, which come in a variety of styles and have metal components, involve the squirrel (or larger bird) physically closing the feeding portal when it lands on the feeder.
Buckerfield’s carries a wide selection of squirrel-proof feeders. Choose a style that is solidly built and has clear instructions on how to set the weight sensitivity.
Have more questions? Visit your local Buckerfield's and we'll be happy to help!
