Squirrels at the Birdfeeder

The Droll Yankee Flipper could be a solution to squirrels in your birdfeeder.

Deer Visits Birdfeeder

House Finch enjoy the Birdfeeder

Most bird lovers who maintain birdfeeders struggle with a squirrel problem. Squirrels love the easy food source that birdfeeders provide. Sometimes a simple baffle can prevent squirrels access to a bird feeder. In my situation, I have far too many trees that allow the squirrel to jump over the baffle. The Droll Yankee Flipper keeps squirrels out of my birdfeeder.

Many people are familiar with the flipper birdfeeder because of YouTube videos featuring spinning squirrels (video below).  Excessive weight triggers spinning of the ring-shaped perch. I've had my Flipper birdfeeder for 3 years and haven't seen any spinning squirrels in over a year. The squirrels in my yard quickly figured out the spinner and avoid it. The spinner rarely runs so I only need to recharge the battery twice a year.

There's plenty of seed below the birdfeeder

The first few months I had the Droll Yankee Flipper, young squirrels  would jump on the spinner long enough to spill seed out of the feeder onto the ground.

Bottom line, the Droll Yankee Flipper keeps the squirrels off the birdfeeder. They still get fed because my birds drop massive amounts of seed on the ground.

Updates on the Asparagus Garden

I reported on our first asparagus planting experience in the February 2014 post.

Much to our delight, asparagus emerged from 1 to 6 weeks after planting. Through the summer, beautiful ferns developed along with numerous asparagus stems. We refrained from harvesting although the stems were very delicious looking. Asparagus is typically harvested after the second year of growth.

Healthy Asparagus Ferns

Early this month, the dried plants were cut at the base and covered with mulch. I'm looking forward to a small, limited harvest this summer.

Dried Asparagus Ferns Cut Down

Picked Asparagus 4/2015

Cooked Asparagus

April 2015 Update:
Several asparagus stems appeared in late March. The first 3 to appear were damaged by a frost. The weather warmed, and several more appeared. A hard freeze was predicted for the night before Easter so I harvested knowing that the stems would be damaged anyway. They were small, but yummy.

My plans are to let the plants grow without any harvesting this 2nd year. Looking forward to a great harvest season the 3rd year. This website has good information on harvesting asparagus.

April 2016 Update:
Three years have flown by. Our hard work in 2014 on the asparagus bed has paid off. Beautiful, robust asparagus spears came up in March, and we've enjoyed this side dish twice a week since then. Another benefit is that we're in the garden early anticipating the other vegetables we will plant and enjoy through the summer. If you've ever considered an asparagus garden, don't hesitate. Our inexpensive WalMart-bought crowns have been a great investment and gardening experience.

3rd Year Spears

Picked Asparagus

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