It’s been installed a couple of weeks now, but does Twirl-A-Squirrel actually work?
You have to hand it to those guys, they don’t lack spirit. The endurance record got longer and longer until we reached the limits of the device.
After three cycles (20 seconds of spin and 5 seconds off) it stops. If a squirrel is still on board at that point it has free rein.
Perhaps by then they’ve earned their feast.
Indeed, should our furry friend choose that moment to fall, he looks for all the world as though he’s just done a raid on the gin cupboard. Even if it takes him only seconds to recover and he’s straight back up for another twirl.
Misappropriated bird food must be seriously worth it.
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They haven’t, yet, found a way to break it.
But they can render Twirl-A-Squirrel a tad confused.
The problem arises if a squirrel lands on a feeder that is still turning. The settings, including the weight calibration, are disturbed.
Thus, I must report, we have on occasion twirled a woodpecker. And even a blue tit. Thankfully both just flew off and later returned.
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So, what’s the verdict?
The manufacturer claims that the squirrels will eventually tire of the performance and look for easier pickings elsewhere.
Certainly they are around less frequently than they were. The birds are getting a much larger share.
For the last couple of days, thinking about this post, I’ve been looking out for a squirrel for a new photo. And haven’t seen one.
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They may yet be back.
Perhaps they are just hiding from the rain.
But it has been amusing. Very amusing indeed.
