Going squirrelly: Now it's personal Final Edition
Over many years, the squirrels and I have fought about bird feeders. I concede to them any spillage, they insist on perching privileges, stealing out from beaks of sparrows and finches. Worst is their insidious gnawing on empty feeders -- variously of plastic, Plexiglas and wood -- perversely destro...
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| Published in | Standard (St. Catherines) |
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| Main Author | |
| Format | Newspaper Article |
| Language | English |
| Published |
St. Catharines, Ont
Torstar Syndication Services, a Division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited
20.09.2002
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| Online Access | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Over many years, the squirrels and I have fought about bird feeders. I concede to them any spillage, they insist on perching privileges, stealing out from beaks of sparrows and finches. Worst is their insidious gnawing on empty feeders -- variously of plastic, Plexiglas and wood -- perversely destroying the vessels they plunder. This spring, I spent the defence budget on a metal-clad device to deliver sunflower seeds, accessible to birds only. So far, it has withstood all sieges. I replant. I cram so there's no open ground. They dig, spilling soil and spoiled flowers. I sweep up. They spill. I replant. I protect the soil with a layer of gravel. They spoil. I replant. I escalate to a $3 water pistol, inaccurate at point blank, and up at dawn, stand on guard. They scatter when I squeeze off a volley, chatter in anger as they retreat. |
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| ISSN: | 0837-3434 |