Discover Smith Mountain Lake
WINTER 2016
37
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For Christmas last year, again Ron found a perfect present for his dad, who is a bird watcher. This time
it was
a bird feeder
. A Droll Yankees Bird Feeder that is touted for being completely squirrel proof. It’s
rather expensive for a bird feeder but, Ron says, it’s worth every penny. Adding:
“When I saw a video demonstrating how the feeder works I knew I was getting it for Dad, even if it cost
$500.” The feeders actually retail Online for between $100 and $150.
There is a ring around the feeder tube that allows small birds to perch and eat seed from portals. However,
when the weight of a squirrel, even a very small squirrel, is put on the ring, it begins to spin, which flings
the intruder off. Watching a squirrel trying to hang on long enough to steal a little food is hilarious. It
they do manage to hang on for any length of time, they get so dizzy that they can’t walk straight, which is
even funnier.
It wasn’t long before it all became a contest to see which squirrel could hold on the longest.
“Each day, when I stop in to check on Dad, he gives me an update on one squirrel in particular: ‘Well, he
managed to hang on for 30 seconds today’. When there isn’t a squirrel there to amuse him, he enjoys just
watching the birds that come for food.”
There is probably nothing better for a shut-in than a good laugh, and nothing worse than boredom. A
persistent squirrel and that electronic bird feeder have provided Ron’s dad hours of entertainment and
amusement over the past year, and it has helped, at
least temporarily, to take his mind off his pain and
discomfort.
The feeder holds up to 5 lbs of birdseed, so it
doesn’t have to be filled often, and the battery that
operates the spinning ring is rechargeable. Droll
Yankees makes several squirrel-proof, battery
operated feeders. Ron bought the Flipper. There are
a number of videos on YouTube showing how the
feeder works. Be forewarned. Once you’ve seen the
demonstration you’re going to want this feeder!
This year the car camera… next year the bird feeder!
My Christmas shopping is done for two full years!
Merry Christmas everyone!
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