Monday, June 11, 2012

Gotcha!


Last weekend, Mr. Mugwump put up a new bird feeder and pole for our feathered friends. Because the pole had to be painted, we had to let the paint set up before we greased it. We have found that Vaseline deters the squirrels...and adds to the entertainment as they try repeatedly to climb, only to slide to the bottom.


This little bandit took full advantage of the situation and proceeded to empty the feeder...brat!


However, there came a turn of events on Saturday morning...a recently greased pole had this fellow wondering, "What the heck?". He was sending me questioning looks as I snapped these photos from the sunroom. And then, being the determined and hungry squirrel that he surely must be, gave it his all trying to scale that slippery pole.


His efforts to climb were met with defeat, and he realized the seriousness of this dilemma.
He sat here a great while and became all too aware of the great expanse that separated him and his breakfast.


He explored a different route, "Hey Rabbit, do you mind if I stand on your head? Be still!".


"Maybe if I get a really good, long running start?".


"So close!".


Even as he explored every option, the competition was moving in. He resigned himself to the futileness of it all, and made do with those stray seeds that fell to the ground.
Don't pity this industrious bushy tailed rodent, there is a feast of corn cobs awaiting him in the front yard. He need only broaden his search.

A valuable life lesson in this backyard fable.

Enjoy the day,
Robyn







14 comments:

  1. OMG! I love this! I have tried sooo many gadgets to get the squirrels away from the feeder! Who'd a thunk of a greased pole? And the amount of entertainment it would provide? lol! Thanks for the giggles and tip!

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  2. Hiya Robyn!
    How funny and helpful.
    I'm headed out to grease my pole this morning!

    Audrey

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  3. Hello Robyn, oh what a little begger, thanks for the tip on the greased pole,great!!!! Love your yard, would like to sit a spell in those nice red chairs, very cozy. Blessings Francine.

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  4. Those squirrels really can be pests, can't they? Silly things.

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  5. How cute! They sure are smart little critters and very hard to keep out
    of the bird feeders. Thanks for sharing.

    Bear Hugs & Blessings~Karen

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  6. I love watching squirrel antics! They are real comedians. We've attached Slinkys to the top of the birdhouse poles (which are skinny) to keep the raccoons from climbing and killing the babies. Now that's a sight to see! Not a pretty sight but a garbage can lid under the feeder/house also helps. Love your header photo.

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  7. Squirrels are so industrious. I have a huge black walnut in my backyard which they love to sit in and chew the nuts - their supply for the winter. They are constantly bombing my sitting area so I have had to put up a parasol to deflects those missiles. I love your sitting area with the red chairs and the flowers - so pretty!

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  8. Robyn ~
    Great pictures! Whoda thunk to grease the pole?
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  9. Hi Robyn,
    I just loved your commentary on the squirrel and bet he was just about saying all those things to himself too!!! So funny!!! Guess he finally learned that there is just no way to climb up a greased pole!!! Hopefully he will find solace and nourishment in the front yard!!
    Thanks for the entertaining tale!!
    Warm Hugs~~
    Julie

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  10. Grease the pole, dah, why haven't I thought of this...wonderful fun post! I have a feeling though you haven't seen the last of Mr. Squirrel, he may bring his friends! Love your hooked rugs, they are just beautiful! Greetings from Maine, Julie.

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  11. I have the same problem!! I am going to use your vaseline idea!!

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  12. What a busy little fella!
    My brother greases the poles at their house too.
    Karen

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  13. Ha! Too funny! (Yeah, I can laugh because, for some reason, we don't have many (any?) squirrels here....A few chipmunks, but can't remember seeing a squirrel....Hmmmm....maybe it's the snakes?) Ok....never mind.... Loved the photos - and the story.....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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