OK, I know what you’re thinking, she married me so she has to be smart. But it’s more than that. She has casually invented the perfect feeder to outwit the plethora of paunchy, purloining pigeons that patrol the platform.
This is our pedastal feeder: (click pictures to enlarge)
Problem: This is our pedastal feeder right after we refill it:
This is a bird-cage my wife bought at a yard sale:
Solution: Now this is the feeder right after we refill it:
As you can see, the pigeons can no longer get at the food, except for what spills out. Right now you’re pondering to yourselves, “But what about the other birds like the wrens and finches that you want on the feeder?” I’m glad you pondered, for as you can see below, most of the other birds are small enough to hop through the grating and feast to their heart’s content:
“But surely the bigger birds like cardinals and blue jays can’t fit through the bars”, you exclaim, with great angst. “Aren’t you being a bit selective?” Rest easy, all ye of little faith, for my wife’s genius prevails. She pried open two of the bars wide enough for those birds, while still excluding the pesky plump pigeons, who should be at the local park with their brethren anyway, soliciting popcorn from bench-warmers. (Proof below):
Of course, there is always a species or two that are reluctant to enter the cage, but they can still enjoy an occasional repast thanks to Patty’s perfectly planned paucity of pigeons. Witness the red-bellied woodpecker below:
So that’s it. You see, necessity may be the mother of invention, but it takes a grandmother’s creativity to seal the deal!
As for my contribution, I’m going to put a fish in the cage to see if I can get this guy up to the feeder:
I’ll let you know how that works out.
The Cvillean 
Pingback: The curious case of the carousing critter…. | The Cvillean
This is still one of my favorites…..SO COOL! Genius, Patty. Excellent pictures also. XXXX, Marcia Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2014 10:55:53 +0000 To: robisonmr11@comcast.net
Thanks. If you browse through the “family” section sometime, you’ll see most of my better read posts are about her. She’s gold when it comes to readership.
Your wife is very clever, though if she calls you a trophy husband, she might be referring to her desire to mount your head on the wall…
We don’t have a bird cage to re-purpose, but I’ve found a few sources of birdcage type feeders online.
ROTFLOL! You’re good, Margie, you’re very good.
We have the exact same problem… and a big brown patch on the grass where the pigeons and rooks come and knock out the seed onto the grass. A good idea to have gravel underneath it! i must look out for a bird cage when i am at work next 🙂
Grannymar is hilarious! Now I’m thinking about how Patty might recycle you?
Et tu, Dianne?
My Mum’s name is Patricia (Trish) and I see your Patty shares the same creative touch..brilliant. ❤
Yes, I also have a Patricia. Aren’t they great? As for her creativity, you may want to read this old blog. https://thecvillean.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/my-wife-hangs-out-with-a-bunch-of-turkeys/
This is clearly a brilliant achievement, and any women who gives catering serious consideration, regardless of species, is clearly a person to treasure, as you rightly do.
That I do, ducks, that I do.
We don’t have no stinking pigeons but we got squirrels! This works just like it says as long as there is a human on the remote…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKcruJ36BfM
Good product, but our little dog takes care of the squirrels for us. She sits by the sun room door and as soon as a squirrel dares approach either the pedestal or the hanging feeder, she goes into action. She’s been right on their tail on many occasions but has yet to bag one.
Great idea! And that’s a Red-bellied Woodpecker. 😉 I have a feeling the heron would carry off the entire cage.
Thanks, Patti. I’m going to change the blog to reflect the correct description. Don’t want my other readers to find out I’m ornithologically challenged.
We can’t let that happen!
Stupid pigeons! Rats of the skies, they are!
Love that description of those feathered varmints. I’m using it from now on. Thanks.
Great idea, I love re-purposing objects and items that are no longer suitable for their former use. Be careful, Al, You might be next on her list!!!
I’ve been unsuitable from day one… I’m probably safe by now.
😀
A feather for Patty’ s cap for arriving at this ingenious solution to the pigeon problem!
Agreed. And I know just the pigeon I want to pluck it from.
I knew she was brilliant, and it’s so pretty!! I want to be there when the big guy comes in for the fish……. Here’s a quote for you, my most recent favorite and seems a good one for Patty…… “‘Tis mine to be in love with life, And mine to hear the robins sing; ‘Tis mine to live apart from strife, And kneel to flowers blossoming.” Alex Posey, 19th century Creek Poet XXXXX, Marcia Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2014 10:55:53 +0000 To: robisonmr11@comcast.net
Great quote and does so fit Patty Kay…..and you as well, my friend.
Your wife really IS very creative and sly – I never would have thought of that.
Yes, I agree, and that’s how she caught a trophy husband like me.
my comments boxes are causing a problem so I shall comment here instead. It is a well known fact that all females whose name is Pat, Patrecia, Patsy or anything similar are creative , witty and extremely intelligent…so it is always best to take notice when an idea pops into their heads… And of course they are most ingenius at making alternative uses for objects that others would just ignore….well done Mrs P…lots of love Patrecia
Birds of a feather…..how appropriate.
Xxxxxxxx