One possible definition of the word “optimist” is anyone who thinks a squirrel-proof bird-feeder will prevent squirrels from getting at the food.
One of today’s activities was to give the bird feeders the first fill-up of the year. It’s been about eight months since the last time there was anything in those feeders, so it’ll probably take a day or two before the birds realize they’re back in business.
I’m sure the birds will enjoy the food, but at about the same time the birds find the feeders, I expect the squirrels will find them as well. The last few years, I’ve probably done a lot more to feed them than the birds. Last year, I even wound up replacing one of the feeders after if broke open when the squirrels chewed through the cord that was holding it up.
So, here’s the feeders as they looked this afternoon. We’ll see how long it takes before the first squirrel arrives.