Cathi,

I, too, have noticed a lot fewer aphids since I have nesting House Sparrows
(and other species) in my yard. Since I garden organically, I think having
birds around is just great!

Right now, though, it's pretty depressing around our property. "Development"
is taking place all around and the big old cottonwoods that woodpeckers and
flickers were very active in are being cut down even as I type (I'm so damned
mad!). Even a lovely old hedge of lilacs is biting the dust! I wish I could
send all these idiots to Mars or maybe even the Sun (a much better idea,
actually!).

Maia
Selah the ugly, Washington