Pennsylvania town’s $1,000-a-day fine is for the birds, residents say

FOX ^ | 1-21-14 | unattributed

[smokingfrog]

A retired Pennsylvania couple is facing a $1,000-a-day fine for feeding birds at their Bethlehem Township home, The Morning Call reported.

The couple has been feeding the birds for 25 years at their home, which is north of Philadelphia, but their bird feeder has been deemed out of compliance with town code.

Those who support the fine say the bird-feeding ordinance is in place to deter the habitation of squirrels and other rodents in the area, the report said. The ordinance, in part, calls for a squirrel-proof top and catch basin affixed at the bottom of all bird feeders.

Increased enforcement of the ordinance appears to be the result of a resident complaining about bird feeders in the area attracting deer.

"After all this, it's all about deer," said Diane Ganssle, the homeowner who was visited by a code enforcement officer in December. "Deer are there without the feeders."

[MSF BU]

I was thinking along the same lines, but a Benjamin or Sheridan work with less noise. I think they need to find somebody who enjoys squirrel meat. The rat problem in China is kept in check by the same method.

[Paladin2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8YZIhlWpS0

[VermiciousKnid]

Or a cat...

Regards,

[smokingfrog]

They must be democrat deer.

[smokingfrog]

I think you can get that at Tractor Supply. I’ll check next time I’m there.
My dog gets most of her exercise chasing the squirrels tho.

[Ditter]

We still have squirrels in the yard and my dogs do chase them. We also have ever other critter that is known to live on the bayou! Which Tractor Supply are you talking about? The Wildbird Store I am talking about is at Kirkwood and Memorial. The safflower REALLY works! I had my doubts at first but I watched the first squirrel come to the feeder, sniff it and leave in disgust. That was it, he must have told the other squirrels that the buffet was closed!

[smokingfrog]

I know where that Wildbird Store is.
I usually go to the Tractor Supply in Katy.

[Ditter]

Get a bag of the safflower seed, it will save you plenty of money and time refilling the feeder. Filling my 3 feeders with black sunflower seed had to be done every other day. And then I discovered the white safflower seed. Maybe every week or 2 and the birds love it and they don’t have to wait for the squirrels to leave.

[Pentagon Leatherneck]

But then you’ve got Plumbing hardware and bottle trash in your yard. I prefer to retain some natural harmony. But thanks Lucky.