Tweeters,

As one who is partially responsible for the enflamed passions:

It's been an interesting interchange, and I thank those who provided
enlightenment about the impact of cats, and invite those that say my cat
*deserved* to die by raccoon bite to join their intolerant cohorts in
Newtland ;^). I only wish this discussion had taken place earlier; because
I (along with Theresa) am now convinced that responsible cat ownership
includes more control of apparently genetically determined behavior.

Theresa,
I agree with your perceptions of intolerance, I believe it's the nature of
e-mail (lack of facial expression clues). I've joined recently as well, and
started a flame session over Starlings a while back. It actually provided
quite an interesting interchange, with lots of anectodal evidence and even less
quoting of science! AND I'm not convinced to start a Starling eradication
effort.

On to birds!!!

Has anyone noticed quite a few less Violet-green Swallows returning this
year? My block had at least 10 regulars last year, and this year I've only
seen 3. Do they tend to migrate at different times, or should I infer a poor
survival rate?


--
Michael Patrick
University of Washington Medical Center
Department of Radiation Oncology, RC-08
1959 NE Pacific St.
Seattle, WA. 98195
mike at radonc.washington.edu
(206) 548-4536