Well we got some new neighbors today. Thank goodness they weren't human. Robins and a meadow lark that just wouldn't quit. Ahhh Spring. Praise Allah and thanks to mother nature. jz

-- jz (oz49us@yahoo.com), February 18, 2002

Answers

Now that's just too defeatest! I'm as happy as anyone to see spring time bird pests, but to rank them above human just shows your scars, and thin skin. I've had trouble with three neighbors, worked it through messy and clean, and now have three great neighbors to show for it. No medals, no song or storey, just peaceful, friendly, understanding and co-operation. No feather'd manure spreader, ranks higher than the effort that took, or the people that deserve it....... Can ya tell spring's at least a month off coming to Ontario? Glad your day went so well, ignore me.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), February 18, 2002.

Now Ross, soon you will be twitterpated too, it just takes longer for spring to arrive up there in the North. LOL I am with jz, we have a return neighbor, A Killdeer. I raised and released 3 of them 3 years ago and one comes back each spring. It is a sure sign of spring here when they start calling. And the Chickadees are singing! It must be spring! As for human neighbors I love mine, but I do want them a goodly distance away, about 1/2 mile is just right! LOL LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), February 18, 2002.

The 4 of us (hubby, babe, pup & I) took a nice walk up on our hill today - the bluebirds were out & it was beautiful. Ahhhh spring, indeed.

-- hmm (h.m.metheny@att.net), February 18, 2002.

Closer is tolerable if they make first class cheese curds, let me assure you.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), February 18, 2002.

A bird in the bush is worth three neighbors close at hand.

-- paul (primrose@centex.net), February 19, 2002.

Here on the central Oregon coast Spring has come and gone several times in the last couple of weeks. We have had our first humming bird for about a week and are hoping that it survives tonight's storm. Didn't see it all day, so perhaps it got out ahead of it.

Regarding feathered v. human neighbours, if they are close, I'm with L.Q.; 1/2 mile is about right if you've got a 9x rifle scope. Until coming to the coast ten years ago, for 25 years we homesteaded in a remote community (I suspect, about a spit and a stone'sthrow from you, Little Quacker), across the county road from the best neighbours anyone could wish for. That place changed owners many times, each one worse. Some were meth cooks and some seemed to have no other occupation other than emptying beer cans, throwing them in the river and shooting at them with Uzis. Yeah ... I'll take the birds anytime.

-- Griff (griff@hangnail.com), February 19, 2002.

We had bluebirds here in Central Maryland last week. The Canadian Geese have started flying over in large flocks too.

A few days ago, I was out hanging up laundry and heard a bird a few trees away. I started imitating the bird and it came to where I was. First time I ever remember calling a bird and it actually came. Just wish I knew what it was.

-- LBD (lavenderbluedilly@hotmail.com), February 20, 2002.

Sorry to mislead you Ross. I love my neighbors, but at a distance. Why if I'm going to rejoice at someone moving in next door......I might as well live in the city.

-- jz (oz49us@yahoo.com), February 23, 2002.