Chipmunks Running Amok 'Round Here (and in New England) and Other Yard Varmints Like Squirrels and Wascally Wabbits

I read in yesterday's Chicago Tribune that New England has so many of the lil' Alvins that they have become a nuisance.  We have a bumper crop here in northeast Illinois this year again.  I always have lots of them.  I have the Front Porch Chippers as I call them, and the Deck Chippers.

They can be a pain.  Just try slipping any flower with bulbs or tubers by them.  There is also flower pot mining to see if there is anything edible.  Fortunately, I don't think they've discovered the tulips and jonquils.

And, when they're running or chasing, watch out.  I've several scars from Chipmunk encounters of the fast kind.  I've even had ones this year and in the past who approach me demanding food.

They are lucky I like them so much or we would have serious problems.

We also have  lots of squirrels, though I haven't seen much of them this last month for some reason.  My biggest problem with them has been attacks on the roof and the Battle of the Bird Seed.  Last year, three squirrels ganged up on me and wiped out my three bird seed feeders, especially the one with their favorite, sunflower seed.  Boy they love sunflower seed.

However, that day, I vowed payback and the next day went to Menard's and got one of those feeders where the squirrel's weight closes the portals.  So far that has worked, but I have seen some of the varmints staring up at the feeder, just thinking and thinking.

And, this year I all of a sudden have three wascally wabbits running around the yard a whole lot.

We're Being Over Run!! --RoadMonk

FOX HUNTING:  Fox Mulder was an FBI agent on which TV series?


"The X-Files"

JSS: Good Ol' NIU and Sox-- Spring Left Real Quick-- Fighting the Squirrel and Chipmunk War

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  GOOD OL' NIU AND SOX--  A little while ago I was in Jewel when a guy looked at me, noticing my White Sox hat and NIU sweatshirt and called out, "Go You White Sox" and then "NIU."

Turns out he went to NIU, Northern Illinois University, entering in 1969 and graduating in 1973, the same years I went there (except for junior year when I was at UGA).  We probably passed each other at some point.  He went into business and was a member of the SAE fraternity.  I was Delta Sigma Phi.  He also really liked the 1967 White Sox, my all-time favorite Sox team/

2.  SPRING LEFT REAL QUICK--  As sunny and nice (50s) as the last two days were, the weather is sure making up for it today.  Overcast and bone-chilling windy 30s.  Oh well, we had two great days.

3.  FIGHTING THE SQUIRREL AND CHIPMUNK WARS--  Spent much time this morning fighting the squirrels and chipmunks over the bird seed.  But, at least at this time I think I gave something rigged up to stop them.  Several unsuccessful attempts have been made.

Take That You Bushy-Tailed Rats!!  --RoadDog

TOP TEN TRIVIA:  Bananas are curved because they grow toward the sun.

Just Hangin' Around-- Part 3: Battle With the Squirrels, Final Four, Band and the Hawks

APRIL 1, FRIDAY--  Chased a cat away from the birdfeeders, but old Gray tail, now Reb the Squirrel made it up to the seed and was having a feast.  Just can't beat the squirrel.  He made it with a really high jump, I mean really high.Met Kevin and Kelly at the Legion and watched the Hawks win in overtime.

APRIL 2, SATURDAY--  Went to the Legion and enjoyed the 3 Aces playing all that old rock and roll and country.  Then went to Sunnyside and watched the Sooners get blown out by Villanova in the NCAA Tournament Final Four.  Watched the Syracuse-UNC game there and then home at Margaritaville.  It was close for awhile, then the Tarheels won easily.  Two very boring games.

APRIL 3, SUNDAY--  Met Kevin and Kelly at Sunnyside and watched a rare afternoon Hawks game as our guys won 6-4 after taking a 6-0 lead.  then went to Half-Time.

--RoadDog

From the Orange Peel Gazette.

BANK PROBLEMS:  When you make a deposit, tellers high-five each other.

Just Hangin' Around-- Part 2: Of Taxes, Somebody Likes Us and Blackie the Squirrel

MARCH 30, WEDNESDAY--

Went to H&R Block and had our taxes done.  The guy really seemed to know his stuff and hopefully we won't have the problems we had last year with Hewett & Jackson.  As usual, we owe, so it's off to work I go.  NOT!!

Stopped at the Whistle Stop in Fox Lake for breakfast afterwards.  I have never been there and heard it is a really good place to eat.  And, every time I drive by when they are open (breakfast and lunch) there are usually people lined up to go inside).  One of their March specials is an Irish omelet with corned beef and Swiss cheese.

The waitress later came back with a smile on her face and said that something had happened which just made her feel so good.  She said that an older man had told her to go ahead and pay for the breakfast of some other people and left.  We asked who they were and she said, "You."    Well, that sure made our day.  We didn't recognize anyone when we came in.

We later went to Donovan's and the Grove on our way back.

MARCH 31ST, THURSDAY--

Warm enough for me to sit outside on the front porch and finish yesterday's Whistle Stop Irish omelet.  First front porch breakfast of the year for me.  Love that outside eating.  Later enjoyed watching Blackie the Squirrel (our black squirrel) get thoroughly frustrated trying to overcome the new anti-squirrel devices I have up on the birdfeeders.  But, I figure it to be just a matter of time before he or Reb (our gray squirrel) figure out how to get the seed.  You can't beat squirrels.

We went to Sunnyside.

That Sure Was Nice.  --RoadDog

Round 2 Vs. the Squirrels Goes to the Squirrels

I shouldn't have been bragging yesterday as no sooner had I posted of my great victory over the bushy-tailed rats than I went upstairs, looked out the kitchen window and to my great chagrin, there was a gray bushy-tail feasting up on the bird feeder.

It took a lot of heavy window thumping to convince him to come down.  he then ran off and up into a tree and started watching to see what it was that had so rudely interrupted his meal.  Not seeing anything, he returned to the scene of his "crime" but took a careful walk around the area just to make sure there were no unfriendlies lurking about. He then went over to the pole and pl;aced a paw on it, but didn't climb.

Of course, I was cracking up, laughing at his prevention antics.

He then ran off.

Looks like I will have to go back to the ol' drawing board.

Dadburn Squirrels.  --RoadCan'tBeatADumbOl'SquirrelDog

Round One vs. the Squirrels Goes to Humans

In our continuing battle to keep those squirrels out of the bird feeders, we may have struck one for the human folk.

I had a two-liter pop bottle attached to the iron pole of the schoolhouse feeder (where I put squirrel favorite sunflower seed), but they just reached over it and proceeded to the feast.  On Friday, I added a big plastic planting bucket upside down and above the plastic 2-liter bottle.  It is attached by string to the top of the pole and very movable.

Saturday, Mr. Gray Squirrel came a calling, and to his dismay, found he kept falling off the new bucket.  There were several attempts made and much staring and tail-twitching and puzzled glances, as well as changing positions for better looks, but nothing came to him.

With a last mighty twitch, he ran off down the sidewalk and I haven't seen him back since.

I fill so proud of myself, but also am sure he will figure out a way to get his treats.

But, I WIN Round ONE!!  --RoadDog