This bird cage is designed to let birds in, not keep them out! Photo: Alain Gagnon & Céline Cliche

Here is an interesting idea submitted by Alain Gagnon and Céline Cliche of Quebec City.

We had a problem in our yard, filled with flower beds and bird feeders of all kinds to please our feathered friends. However, an irresponsible neighbor lets her cat wander at will and it had picked up the habit of waiting for its lunch under the feeders, always well stocked with seeds and birds. That didn’t keep fat squirrels from emptying the feeders, when it wasn’t starlings coming by the dozens to squawk loudly and feed messily. 

Do note that the above is written in the past tense, because, after attempts of all kinds to get rid of these intruders, we seem to have found a solution. We’ve put in an outdoor aviary, not to keep birds inside, but to keep pests out. 

The grid that makes up the aviary walls allows small birds to come and go (and feed!) as they please, but it keeps out unwanted larger birds like starlings and pigeons as well as cats and squirrels!

Our “exclusionary aviary” has only been up for two months, but so far it has been 100% successful.

Sun and Safety for Kitty

• 

• 

This enclosed cat patio prevents the couple’s cat from attacking birds and also protects kitty from the numerous enemies a wandering cat can encounter. Photo: Alain Gagnon & Céline Cliche

Alain and Céline also sent a photo showing how they let their own cat bask in the sun while keeping it from harming wild birds by giving him access to an enclosed patio through an open window. Such a pen is sometimes called a “catio.”