"And if you're lucky, the apartment complex will have landscaping that will include some trees--that will make screening from your side much easier." There may be a landscaping plan on file as part of the approved plans available for viewing at the local town hall. I would recommend checking. Since the project is already into construction, the ability for an abutter to make landscaping suggestions at this point has probably come-and-gone unless the developer is unusually receptive. But this need not necessarily be left to chance. In my state (MA), many communities have adopted Site Plan Review bylaws and regulations that would allow for reviewing landscaping plans as part of that process before any construction can begin. Personally speaking, as a local Planning Board member, I have a responsibility to listen to abutter's concerns including visual impacts and then try and work with the applicant to mitigate reasonable concerns which could include landscaping options. However, the time and place to be properly heard is at the corresponding public hearing, not during construction.

Fortunately, I think, turkeys are hunted pretty heavily around here, so they are people-shy. I get them in large flocks of 20 or more, but they stay out in the cornfields and rarely come close. They do come up sometimes to the edge of the chicken enclosure to check out their cousins, but always hightail it (pun intended) back to the cornfields, when I go outside. I have more problems with deer, who have no fear of people, and who think that my garden is a wonderful smorgasbord put out just for them. They come right up to the house. If I were more aggressive, IÂd pop one and fill my deep freezer. littleonefb, if the turkeys are ever a problem when you are outside, just raise your arms over your head, make a lot of noise, and charge right at them. I guarantee, they will retreat. As an added bonus, your neighbors will also stop bothering you. ngam, we have fishers up here, too. They have that weird, hump-backed loping run. Ever hear one call at night? They sound like someone screaming in the woods, like they are being skinned alive. During a visit last year my father was in a panic one morning, when he heard one during the night. The local police say that they can always tell when a new person moves in, because they eventually get a call about someone being murdered out in the woods. terryboc, that must have been quite a sight to see. IÂve yet to see a hawk make a score up close and personal, except over at the raptor center in Quechee, VT, which just isnÂt the same. With all the small, furry critters running around out there, I always find the hawks, eagles, etc. to be a welcome sight. narcnh Here is a link that might be useful: VINS Nature (Raptor) Center

Bartram's Gardens is amazing, especially considering that it's located in one of the worst areas of the city.

Thanks to all for your comments, I was very lucky to get these photos. And Thank you elly for the detailed information, will pass it on to my neighbors.