I think that grosbeak was injured. I found her this afternoon hanging around my [frozen] pond. I probably just about stepped on her when i was putting up the Christmas lights. :-/ Anyway, she couldn't seem to fly, though i thought i saw her flying yesterday. She was around for awhile, but i was busy (we were putting in a new kitchen window!), and later when i looked for her she was gone. I'm hoping that she got away somewhere and that the dog didn't get her.

The birds in the movie are Wood Ducks: they are *supposed* to jump from their nest holes in the forest and land in the leaves. The birds you have may be falling out or being *kicked* out for various reasons: 1). A Brown-headed Cowbird may have laid an egg in that nest and the *much* larger baby is booting out the smaller ones which belong to the host species. Brown-headed Cowbirds are 'nest parasites' and never build their own nests, but instead will parasitize the nests of everything from finches to bluebirds. 2). Occasionally, a parent bird's inexperience leads it to build a rather flimsy nest and the babies fall out too soon. 2)b).When it's time for a fledgling to leave the nest, however, it may plop down on the ground and find a low bush in which to hide while its parents teach them the fine arts of foraging and flying, all the while continuing to feed until such time as the baby is flying well. 3). Some predator might be knocking them out of the nest prematurely. 4). Some other *bird* might be knocking the babies out in order to usurp control of the nest. Look for House Sparrows and European Starlings, which seem to be the bigger culprits, but occasionally, Violet-Green Swallows will engage in this behavior as well. A way to circumvent #'s 3 & 4 is to provide extra nesting boxes spaced far enough apart so as to not encourage encroachment on the others' territories. In the case of the swallows, they are partial colony nesters (Violet-greens), but will also build several 'dummy' nests to ward off competitors (which is also the case with House Wrens). Trying to stop the nest parasitizm as seen in Brown-headed Cowbirds is detrimental all the way around. It would be helpful to know which species of birds you are personally dealing with. . .

Thanks Lynn, I will definitely look for this remote light switch. Jaybird, I had been wanting to do something like this for years, but I didn't know where to find a plain ladder. There is a gift store about 6 miles south of us and my husband and I went in there one day. They had ladders!!! We paid $9.99 (plus tax) for it. Most of what is on my ladder are things I've had for years. There is a little glass candle holder that I put some candy corn in on the top rung. Those apples are candles, but I would never light them. So is the red cannister on the 3rd rung. They are there for display only. I don't care for the little scarecrow sitting on the second rung...his legs are jute. They need to be covered somehow, I just don't know how. There is a large spider I made using one section of an egg carton for the body and pipe cleaners for the legs. He's 2/3 of the way down hanging onto the fall leaves. The jackolantern flashes with different colors when turned on. I had fun making this, and I'm looking forward to changing it again for Christams.

Thank you ladies. I enjoyed reading all your nice compliments. oakleyok.. I can see men who like the outdoors enjoying these plates. I thought that was so funny about the turkey on your porch...quite daring, don't you think? lol nana..the amber goblets are even nicer IRL..the photos don't do them justice..glad you like them. Candy...I'll try to get that 'Candy Shot' done soon. I'm sure some here are wondering what we're talking about! lol Luvs. we've had turkey pass through every so often, but not this many. They do seem to be very active around this time of year and with so much hunting going on you would think they'd lay low! kathleen...Candy did a few tablescapes taking overhead shots that you'd swear was taken by 'hanging from her chandlier'! So although my overhead was not as dramatic as hers....I called it a 'Candy Shot'! I did go to CTS on Fri and used the coupon (Thank you again) and gave the extras to other shoppers. I bought quite a few things and it came in handy...like a beautiful King Quilt for $39 and got the 20 0ff! They finally emailed me one a few days after I received yours..I don't know why so late. jeanne..that fabric is even more lovely IRL. It has a wonderful texture and doesn't wrinkle either! If you come over to watch the Turkeys...I'll make you a 'Chicken Sandwich' instead of Turkey! lol lynne..I'm surprised whenever I see the Turkeys around here...there's so many hunters and other prey, that I'm surprised they survive. Punk...lol.. I know what you mean about your DDG not wanting to go swing after seeing so many Turkeys. As it is my DGkids don't like to go out 'Alone' w/o us, cause they are 'city' kids, and always feel scared of all the 'creatures' in the woods! Glad you enjoyed everything. Thanks again ladies.