Since the topic is birds, I'll take a moment to report on my latest bird protection measure. Have been trying a shade cloth to see if it will keep the birds off. While it is very easy to install (doesn't snag) I'm pretty unhappy with the results so far. The shade cloth seems to delay harvest and reduce fruit size. The peaches under the cloth act like they are in the interior of a peach tree canopy (in other words not as good quality). It might be ideal for blackberries, but I don't intend to use it anymore to cover peaches. Although netting is harder to install it doesn't have the problems of shade cloth.

LOL Edna, when we had our Dobbie I was forever cleaning eye goobers off the walls. Her way of getting rid of them was shaking her head and letting them fly. What we don't put up with for our beloved pets. Cleaning windows, that a signal for the Seagulls to do a fly-by my dining room windows and let go. I swear this happens 9 out of 10 times. I've never thought about putting a feeder that near a window, really cute pic of the finches. Annette

There was a small flock here all winter. I saw them checking out our only bb house in February but of course, I didn't have my camera, and by the time I got it, they were done with their house hunting and I didn't see them again that day. We've put up three more houses since then, hopefully somebody will like them. There are plenty of woodpecker holes in the trees around here so they won't go homeless, tho.

OH dear. This is a very hot topic here. You may get some "not so nice" comments. First off I love cats, I have 4. They were brought in as strays and they have never set foot outside since (except my Ernie who likes to run out the door in the spring, I grab and bring right back in). Cats are killers of native wildlife as you have seen. There are many reports of the damage cats do to wildlife including birds. I am sure someone will send you links. There are also ways to let your cat enjoy the outdoors without puting your birds and critters at risk and I am sure you will get those links too. Please consider the safety of you cat and the safety of the critters and keep the cat inside unless you are with it. One other thought, and I am fighting with this now, your neighbors may not be any too happy with your cat in their yard. My neighbors let their cat out. First, I am a certified wildlife habitat with 5 nestboxes and 5 feeders, I have the right to not have the neighbors cat killing my critters including the frogs and toads in my pond, the cat does not belong on my property. Second the cat pees and poops in my garden. I should not have to put up with this , it's MY property. As you can tell I'm quite angry about this. Also I worry that any day I am going to see that cat dead in the road, I like the cat and would be extremly upset. Please reconsider letting your cat roam. It's not safe for the cat, your critters or birds and your neighbors will be happier. Hopefully someone can send you the link to the cat outside enclosures (I think Starlinka has one). Bells don't really work as birds do not know bells as being a threat until they have been attacked. Bless you for taking the cat in , now please keep it and the critters safe.