Well, the pair came by again today. They've found another delicacy in the yard, the seeds of a terribly invasive vine with gorgeous pink flowers. I have no idea what it is, I'm constantly pulling it, probably because birds eat the seeds and drop them in my yard. But watching the two of them in the very tippy top of the little oak, toppling over head-first to get to their seeds, was pretty cool. I'm still pulling that vine and the Virginia creeper in the cabbage palm next to it, but maybe I'll leave it for another week, just in case I get to see "my" pair of Amazons. Funny was watching them look down completely unconcerned at the hunter cat with the bell. He's small for a cat and they're big for birds and he sulked by, making it clear he knew he was outmatched and wasn't happy about it. He stalked off to the neighbor's yard to terrorize their cats, who haven't figured out he's declawed and fixed. They think he's one bad kitty because when they first tried to defend their food, the giant yellow lab barked at the commotion. They seem to have decided that my little guy has a bodyguard. We need to give our neighbors cat food for Christmas.

there are several different types plants that are called parrot flowers just depends upon the species. I couldn't find an Amnesty flower so I have no idea what it is. What does this parrot flower look like? Debbie

Hi, are you talking about the one from Thailand This is a post that I found after I started hearing about it This was a forum I found while looking for info on it a couple of years later. I just found it interesting, lol http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=27522 Lupine, do you have this one or the one in the link? http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/126398/ Here is a link that might be useful: Parrot flower

Thanks everyone! Bpathome- I think the architect wants the brick wall indented a little to create a little garden nook on the driveway side. But it is essentially what you are suggesting. I think vertical blinds are a great idea! I think that is what I will end up using. Pamgatten - thank you! :) Your little dog is adorable!!! Mrs. S- I dont think I will let the birds out in the aviary, although as the new plan is drawn, I might be able to. I was only going to keep them in their cages in this space, as they dont all get along. They are not flighted as I almost lost Rocky out the door once (she took off with a flock of doves and was almost out of sight when she flew back to me!). I also cover my parakeets - half of their cage is covered in an ugly ikea curtain to give them a place to get out of the sun. They have a five foot long cage and actually I forgot to include them in this! I think tallish plants will great for helping screen the sun. Here is the latest plan after speaking to the architect today. The round areas are planters he put in The right wall is all glass, the left wall is 6 foot of block with 2 foot of glass on top. He made room for my bikes, at the bottom.: I have some concerns: - Is the house getting too big and sprawling? It is now 3880 and will go to over 5100 sq. feet with the master addition and aviary. Houses in my neighborhood tend to be large, though, with two neighbors at 6-8000 sq. feet. - The bedroom that it connects to will be a laundry room area. It will connect to the butler's pantry which will connect to the kitchen. This laundry area will now have no windows. Is that okay? Home design (red is aviary addition):