Kids Corner: Squirrel Scarer by Kyle

The purpose of a Squirrel Scarer is to keep squirrels off our bird feeder. My Dad gets mad when the squirrels eat all of the birdseed. The birds don't like it either, so my dad and me went outside to try out my invention.

First, we started with some fishing line and attached it to a nearby tree. We then ran the line up to the bird feeder and attached a pop can with some coins inside to the string. Next we tied the string to the bird feeder so the can hung just below the feeder. We then ran the string around a light that was next to the feeder. The light is our pulley. After that we ran the string through the house window and tied a pencil to it making it our lever.

It works because when I pull the string the can moves up and hits the bird feeder making a shaking or loud noise. Later I decided to add a wedge by using a note card in the window seam. I needed to do this so the lever was high enough. Then, my baby brother couldn't reach it.

When I woke up the next day there was a squirrel on the bird feeder! I grabbed the lever and pulled it down. The can shook and she squirrel was scared. He jumped off and ran to the neighbor's house.

So if you want to scare the squirrels off your bird feeder, use my idea. It worked for me the first time. If it breaks, try putting another can on.

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