Page 31 - Harnett Life Winter 2022

their appetites and keep them out of bird feeders. into healthy trees.

You can use an open feeder or scatter feed on the ground for As for the birds: In cold weather, it’s important to provide high-
easy access. Try 100% whole peanuts or Cole’s Critter Munch- quality choices that offer the most fat, nutrients and energy.
ies, which includes ingredients squirrels love. Another way to Look for black oil sunflower, which is rich in oil, attracting
help squirrels thrive is to provide access to fresh, clean water. birds and providing energy.

Squirrels are interesting creatures and worth the watch. Con- Birds also love suet, the solid fat rendered from beef, venison
sider these facts: or vegetables, which provides concentrated energy, helping
• Squirrels can find food buried beneath 1 foot of snow. them make it through freezing weather.
• Squirrels’ front teeth never stop growing.
• Squirrels run zigzag patterns to escape predators. Some suet cakes are formulated to attract the largest variety
• Squirrels “fake out” other squirrels and pretend to bury nuts and number of birds as well as specific bird species. Birds are
to throw off potential thieves from their hiding places. greatly attracted to the taste of hot and spicy suet cakes, and
• When falling, squirrels use their tails both for balance and as some even prefer them over non-spicy suet cakes. To attract
parachutes. Plus, they can jump up to 20 feet and run 20 miles seed-, fruit- and insect-loving songbirds try Nutberry Suet, a
per hour. unique mix of premium fruits, preferred nuts, nutritious suet
• Squirrels can see behind them, but they’re blind at birth. kibbles and whole-kernel sunflower meats.
• When given a mixture of nuts, squirrels sort them by type
before burying each variety in a different area. By following squirrel proofing tips and offering food birds and
• Squirrels can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees when de- squirrels prefer in separate locations, you’ll see for yourself
scending trees and poles. birds and squirrels can live harmoniously in your backyard
• Squirrels are one of the most important animals for help- while you enjoy watching both species’ entertaining antics. For
ing spread oak trees. They store acorns in the ground but only more information, visit coleswildbird.com.
recover about 70% of them, allowing forgotten acorns to grow

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