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

[TechMan]

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/21/pennsylvania-town-residents-fight-1000-day-fine-for-feeding-birds/?intcmp=latestnews

Township passes an ordinance specifying the type of bird feeder that one can have in their back yard.  The ordinance calls for a squirrel proof tob and a catch basin affixed at the bottom and they have to empty the basin at least once a day.  In theory the ordinance is suppose to deter the habitation of squirrels and other rodents in the area.  Residents are also complaining about deer being attracted to the area with bird feeders and that is causing an increase the enforcement of the ordinance.

The commissioners president states that there is a flaw in the ordinance and that it needs to be looked at.

[fifth_column]

The actual issue is lack of natural predation.  Maybe they should introduce a population of bobcats, coyotes, fisher (they eat squirrels, right?) or as a last resort, feral cats. 

Either that or detcord . . . .

[lupinus]

The actual issue is lack of natural predation.  Maybe they should introduce a population of bobcats, coyotes, fisher (they eat squirrels, right?) or as a last resort, feral cats. 

Either that or detcord . . . .

Airguns clear the squirrel population up easily enough

[Devonai]

Assuming the feeder isn't visible from the street, how are the authorities going to check it?  Nosy neighbors?

Isn't this sort of thing considered a civil infraction?  Would a judge swear out a search warrant for something like this, especially if it was based solely on eyewitness testimony from neighbors?

[roo_ster]

Ixnay on the tar & feathers.  These councilcritters need to be drenched in hot unsulphured molasses, rolled in millet, and then staked out under one of those mega-flocks of grackles.

[zxcvbob]

Assuming the feeder isn't visible from the street, how are the authorities going to check it?  Nosy neighbors?

Isn't this sort of thing considered a civil infraction? Would a judge swear out a search warrant for something like this, especially if it was based solely on eyewitness testimony from neighbors?

For $1000?  What do you think!  (follow the money)
But I suspect the cops will just trespass; seize it w/o a warrant, and it'll cost you more than $1000 to fight the ticket.

The ordinance calls for a squirrel proof tob and a catch basin affixed at the bottom and they have to empty the basin at least once a day.

Have you ever tried to make a tob actually squirrel-proof?  I don't think it can be done.

[MechAg94]

Is there such a thing as a squirrel proof feeder? 

I had a bird feeder on a 3rd story apartment balcony once.  The pigeons pushed out all the decent birds and knocked the feed all over the place.  I got rid of it when I saw a rat climb up the wall and get into the feeder.

[Gewehr98]

Is there such a thing as a squirrel proof feeder?

Yes.  It's called a Yankee Flipper.

http://www.drollyankees.com/product/yankee-flipper/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUDP3R1yFuhfM-DITxw3RRpg&feature=player_embedded&v=Q3C8VI5InJY

[RoadKingLarry]

Assuming the feeder isn't visible from the street, how are the authorities going to check it?  Nosy neighbors?

Isn't this sort of thing considered a civil infraction?  Would a judge swear out a search warrant for something like this, especially if it was based solely on eyewitness testimony from neighbors?

The way things are tending in law enforcement I could see no knock swat raids and family dogs getting shot.

[KD5NRH]

What if one just tosses deer corn out in the yard and declares it a free for all?

[Firethorn]

Yes.  It's called a Yankee Flipper.

Aww...  I was hoping for something more appropriately named 'The Yankee Flinger'.   

[Cliffh]

Assuming the feeder isn't visible from the street, how are the authorities going to check it?  Nosy neighbors?

Isn't this sort of thing considered a civil infraction?  Would a judge swear out a search warrant for something like this, especially if it was based solely on eyewitness testimony from neighbors?

Drones.

[Hawkmoon]

Airguns clear the squirrel population up easily enough

You beat me to it. Just allow the residents to plink the invading tree rats and the problem is solved.

[Hawkmoon]

Ixnay on the tar & feathers.  These councilcritters need to be drenched in hot unsulphured molasses, rolled in millet, and then staked out under one of those mega-flocks of grackles.

Suet on the hoof?