For the birds

And the squirrels....

I sure am glad that it's not just me keeping all of the birds and squirrels (and the occasional raccoon that likes to spin my "squirrel proof" bird feeder until the seed comes flying out) alive in the winter. I'm very haphazard in how often I put out seeds or nuts or refresh the water. I just put some crushed peanuts out and put the heater in to the water bath that lives on the deck. Immediately afterward one of my squirrels came racing back to slurp up a lot of water and nosh away happily.

Currently it's hopping around looking for the almonds I had tossed out there yesterday. I like watching how they hold food in their tiny paws and gnaw on it for a few moments. I don't like how they dig in my flowerpots trying to stash food, but I do like watching them while they are well behaved. Of course I feel much the same way about Caitlin....

So, are you feeding anyone one this winter that is neither human nor part of your family? Got any tips for keeping squirrels out of your flowerpots?