You can always try hanging the feeders independent of the trees. A post set into the ground with hooks for the feeders or the shepherd's crooks they sell specifically for this purpose would prevent any damage hanging feeding appliances directly to a tree might incur. As to the pros and cons of feeding birds.......I agree with Dan on this one. Expanding development has restricted/removed many of the natural habitats and food sources and encouraging birds to the garden is overall a very good thing - they are the best natural insect control available! Plus, they are infinitely entertaining. Planting to encourage habitat and to supplement food sources is desirable, but nothing wrong with feeders either. They can bring the birds up close and personal :-)) If you want songbirds, try a "no-waste" mix. Even if it gets scattered on the ground, it gets eaten too fast to hang around to attract rodents. And sapsucker damage to trees is generally more cosmetic than particularly harmful. Since they have a 'preferred' tree menu, you can always avoid attracting them by not planting the trees they like. And as they tend to limit their diet to insects and tree sap, with supplementation from fruits and berries - the seed feeders are unlikely to create additional problems.

Drum roll please, Ladies and Gentlemen, I now reveal to you the contents of the fabulous box that wendy sent to me: * 3 (three) boas - one pink, one plue and one purple - my husband has been out of town for 3 days . I think I'll dress up in feathers for his return ;) lol * A wooden caddy with roosters - thanks! * A metal bird that is also a bird house - this is really cute. I'll but it in the woods with my new plants. * A crow scarecrow pic (for the fall wreath I just made for my front door) * A flower pick * A magnet notepad - for my refrigerator... I'm always looking for a scap of paper to write a note * 2 sets of work gloves - I really needed these * A bag of jiffy pellets (always useful) * A white pillar candle with purple flowers * A beautiful green petal candle dish with tea light - now on my coffee table * 3 tiny flower pot candles - too cute * lemon verbena home fragrance ( love that smell!) * A big bag of small narcissus bulbs ( almost bought these for myself last week) * 4 plants variegated hosta "minuteman" variegated creeping fig lingularia the rocket Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) Wow Wendy wow. As I said " I gots the bestest box"!. My daughter and I had so much fun pulling all the gifts out of the box. The natives look a little sad. But I've already planted them and they will get lots of TLC. I do love everything in my box so much. You certainly puts lots of thought into that box and saved the best for last. Thank you. (((((((((BIG HUG))))))))) kim

HI,SORRY I`M SO LATE IN POSTING!MY PACKAGE FROM MICHELLE CAME ON CHRISTMAS EVE!!SHE SENT A LOVELY COTTAGE MAGAZINE,A HOME MADE BIRD FEEDER MADE FROM A ROUND PLASTIC JUG,PAINTED RED,DRILLED HOLES ON EACH SIDE FOR ACCESS TO THE BIRD FEED AND ATTACHED A CABINET KNOB BENEATH THE HOLE FOR A FOOT REST!!I LOVE IT!!!iT ALSO WAS HALF FULL OF BIRD FOOD.SHE SENT A DECK OF PLAYING CARDS WITH BIRDS ON THEM,AVON ANTIBACTERIAL GEL,A CROCHET BATH MIT AND A BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE CARD!!MICHELLE,THANK YOU SO MUCH!!I HOPE I DIDN`T LEAVE OUT ANYTHING.IT ARRIVED AS MY EXTENDED FAMILY GATHERED IN FOR OUR CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER AND GIFT SWAP SO EVERYONE WANTED TO KNOW WHO SENT MY PRESENT,IT WAS REALLY A HIT! SHARON,YOUR BOX WILL BE MAILED TOMORROW.I TRIED TO MAIL IT TODAY BUT AFTER LEAVING IT IN THE BOX ALL DAY I FINALLY REALIZED THE MAIL WASN`T RUNNING TODAY! SHIRLEY,THANK YOU FOR HOSTING THIS SWAP!!!!!

Thank you so much for your help. I always get help right here at the KT! You are all right about the Painted Bunting. He was back today and brought a friend. I tried to get pictures but when I move toward the window, they fly away. I haven't found the other two yet but I am sure I will. We went for a ride today after Church and went on our Nature Trail, we saw a lot of ducks, herons,cranes, and a pink flamingo. Also, we saw a really large alligator.Jim said that he must have been at least 11 feet long. We saw another smaller one. The only thing about that trail, is I have never seen a squirrel or rabbit out there.