Maria that was so nice. Not only you capture their actions but their songs as well. I really enjoyed it. Thank you. Felix

I think they are sparrows, but I'm not a bird expert. I'm fairly certain they are scoping out the insects, particularly the hornworms, as they seem to know that they hide out on the underside of the leaves, as evidenced by the fact that the birds like to get inside the plant and look up (in additokn to ripping the leaves off the top). What I would really like to determine is if the birds are pecking at the fruit. I have not seem them do that, but that doesn't mean that they aren't. Today, at one point there were at least 6 birds on my plants at the same time (they brought friends with them). I got my camera, but when I got close to the slider to film them, they scattered and didn't come back (I tried to be slow and sneaky, but they spooked anyway). If the birdies are just looking for bugs, I don't mind losing a few leaves here and there. But if I see just one of them pecking at a tomato, I'm going to have to do something, like invest in some netting. I've tried putting out a saucer of water for them, but so far they show no interest in it. I enjoy watching the birds and am fascinated by their behavior, but I wish they would stop vandalizing my tomatoes! The way they have been adding to their numbers, it's like they've started a gang!

How neat Linda -- gold finches AND Pipevine Swallowtails! I guess the swallowtails will be laying eggs early on the pipevines this year. I'm seeing sulfer butterflies now, too. BTW, I SO appreciate the 'blue crown' passi vine you passed along at last fall's San Antonio Swap. It did great in the green house over the winter and I have the perfect spot picked out to plant it in the ground today. With another variety that Kathy gave me, my pink one and the small native Passi Lutea I hope I'll have plenty for the Gulf Frits this year. Here is a link that might be useful: Taking a page out of Kathy's book :-)

On second thought I don't think these videos are good for cats - at least not for mine. Just seems to add to his frustration - he looks behind the monitor and bats the screen but doesn't seem to be having much fun. Like the person who lives life through their computer screen instead of interacting with the world - it c an't be good for a cat either. Interactive is better.