A dolphin?
A chimpanzee?
A dog?
I would have to say that although all of those animals are indeed very smart, they would not be my choice.
And that's because in my opinion, the most intelligent, calculating, humorous and determined animal on earth, is this guy....
A squirrel!
I know I've described for you how much the cats and I enjoy looking out the windows of the new studio, but what no one anticipated, was how much a few select squirrels would enjoy LOOKING IN!!
They show up at the same time every morning. They do not head straight for the bird feeders. The first thing they do, is look into EVERY window.
They might be checking out their 'look', but I tend to think they are looking for Jeter and Joba.
As a matter of fact, (and I promise that I am NOT making this up), if the cats don't notice them immediately, the squirrels actually tap-tap on the windows to get their attention!
Right on cue, the cats proceed to turn themselves inside out in an effort to get at the squirrels. I love it! There is no doubt in my mind that the squirrels are having a blast too.
Of course, sooner or later, they cut the comical stuff and start raiding the bird feeders. We've tried everything. We've greased the feeder poles, they just shimmey up them anyway. We've hung the feeders from the gutters, they leep from the window sill in an attempt to 'grab and hold'.
It drives my husband insane. He's constantly thinking of new ways to thwart them. But I don't mind so much. They have to eat too, and they provide such great comic relief for us, that they deserve a little reward.
They can become hoggish though, and here's the deal! I've found the perfect way to encourage them to move along and let the birds have their turn! It doesn't hurt them a bit. Erica gave this battery-operated megaphone to Bubba for Christmas, thinking that he might enjoy using it at the Wake Forest basket ball games. (Thank goodness he didn't do THAT.... yet) but we found this to be a terrific alternate use for it!
And as an extra bonus- it produces a rather comical reaction from both the squirrels AND the cats. Here's a short video that illustrates my point.
Enjoy!
Too funny - but he always comes back? So, I guess it's not too distracting. Blessings, Janet
ReplyDeleteHilarious that they look in the windows!
ReplyDeleteEvidently this video is not opening up in all browsers, so if you are one of the ones having problems, please try another browser. If you are using internet explorer, then try Firefox, or vice versa.
ReplyDeleteMost folks are saying this solves the problem.
:)
What a hoot! I love watching the squirrels too.
ReplyDeleteEver notice that Coach Dave Odum sorta looks like a squirrel?
I have 8 squirrels that come to feed. I love watching them and they are entertainment for our cats, but have never had one look through the windows. lol I think you have peeping squirrels!
ReplyDeleteMy husband found the solution to the squirrels climbing the pole to the bird feeder. He lifted off the feeder and attached a metal slinky to the bottom of the feeder, then placed the slinky over the pole and the feeder on top of the pole and fixed it. the slinky slides down the pole. when the squirrels try to climb the pole the slinky keeps bouncing them back down to the ground. Yes they found another way around the slinky, but it worked for a few weeks and was great viewing the squirrels.
ReplyDelete