No tripod, flash, and have no idea about noise reduction. I am still trying to understand all the icons. There are probably over a hundred if you access the menus. I took some outside and I have to figure out the telephoto zoom because I did not get such great shots of a red spotted purple. It was in the sun and just about 5 feet from me. Oh well. Here are the pipevines, 9 hours later. It is amazing how soon they congregate! There are over 20 on that leaf, which is smaller than a quarter! Cheers, Elisabeth

I put some tender new growth leaves in the water pick with the tiger cat, which was on an older leaf. The cat wandered over to the new growth, then wandered off all over the cage. I put another more mature leaf in with the new growth, finally got the cat to get on the new leaf, and the cat has been eating from the older leaf while ignoring the new growth. So this is a first, a cat that prefers an older, tougher leaf to newer more tender ones - caterpillars never cease to surprise me! Sherry

It would be highly unusual for both of them to disappear. I am guessing they are still around and you just aren't seeing them. Have you seen them this morning at all? Keep checking the babies to make sure they are ok. If something would have happened to both of them you would need a rehabber but if something happened to just one of them the other should be able to take care of them ok provided they wouldn't need to be brooded by the female which she normally does until day 6 or so but if it is warm enough out they should be ok. Good luck, hopefully you see them. Donna

When cutting into foliage in nesting season be careful not to disturb nests like chipmunks,rabbits,birds,and other animals. Don't bother the baby birds because even if you touch the nest the mother won't abandon the babies but you'll lead a predator to the nest with your scent. Wait for the mother and pray she comes.