Squirrels need heads screwed on to use unique feeder (From Daily Echo)

Squirrels need heads screwed on to use unique feeder

3:26pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Environment

Whatever this squirrel has been eating, it appears it has gone to its head.

The little critter looks like its head has got stuck but in fact it has simply found some nuts to gorge on inside an hilarious looking squirrel feeder.

The Big Head Squirrel Feeder is an amusing addition to any garden, and is apparently just as pleasing for the creatures it provides for.

One particular squirrel who stumbled across the novel feeder spent 15 minutes helping himself to the stash of peanuts and peanut butter inside.

Other animals, including a couple of robins, tried to access the snacks but were unsuccessful.

The hanging feeder was installed in the Secret Garden Nature Reserve in Southampton, but it failed to attract any squirrels at first.

The reserve is run by John Horne, and his wife Alison, who set up the feeder and filled it with peanuts.

Before long the feeder had three regular visitors who were only to happy to accept the treats inside - while proving a source of amusement for John too.

John, 67, from Southampton, said: "The squirrel was a bit wary of the Big Head Feeder at first.

"But he soon realised there were peanuts inside and began poking his head in to get them.

"It was really funny and looked very unusual to see a squirrel eating nuts from inside the huge head.

"Once the squirrels get used to the feeder I actually think they are better than a normal wired mesh feeder.

"This novel feeder seems to make it much easier for the squirrels to access the peanuts.

"A pair of robins had tried to get to the peanuts but they couldn't manage to."

The Southampton-based nature reserve is of national importance as it is home to a very rare colony of lesser glow-worms.