In a message dated 98-08-27 00:07:35 EDT, Lovcukes at aol.com write:

<< Here's my rat/bird feeder story >>
Loved your story! We also heard rats running races around our roof at night
outside our bedroom window and saw one in our covered, "squirrel-proof"
feeder. We and the neighbors have been hunting them all summer. So far two
thirds of the time, they spring all traps - live-bait ones, mole ones and the
ordinary rat trap kind. However, we have, between the two other neighbors,
caught over 40!!! A temporary lull - but next time the "cool sticky tray".
Where did you get them? and don't birds or cats get caught as well?
<<As for Band-tailed pigeons, we've had 2 pair for about 3 years and yes, they
also wait for mates before feeding.>>
Maybe it is just the "north Seattle" Band-tailed pigeon that's "polite"!! :)
And Wm Mulligan writes <<We have 2 Jack Russell terriers, who keep the rat
population around ourhouse(they also cover Lincoln Park)under control >>
We have an old golden retreiver that lays out right beside the feeder and the
rats, practically walk all over her. We imported our son's young golden
retriever and it was vigelant but not as smart as the rats! I've shooed
neighbor's cats off in the past so they wouldn't catch the birds around the
feeders, now I'm rethinking cats. As Jim Brewster says, <<and even though I
have seen a cat get a bird from my feeding area, figure that's the price I pay
for having them on rat patrol.>>
Thanks for the advise.
Angela M. Bryant
Seattle, WA & Shaw Island
Angelambry at aol.com

"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."
(Paul) Phillipians 4:12 (NKJV)