I have to agree with Susan. My neighborhood was far worse this year for noise especially (M-80's or whatever) and actual commercial-like fireworks. From noon on, the bomb explosions and firecrackers were almost constant, whereas in past years the ruckus doesn't usually start till early evening. I had ZERO birds at the feeders every time I looked this morning, the Robin's nest has no activity and I know there are young in there, the Pileated, Flickers, Hairy's, quail - all absent. The only normal activity seems to be the VG Swallow's nest under our deck. It's now 1:40 p.m. I keep thinking there are going to be stricter controls over fireworks and that eventually people will tire of this ridiculous, pyromaniacal activity but it appears to be going in the other direction, unfortunately. I believe the impact on birds and other wildlife is more than we think.

Dayna Yalowicki
Bothell, Wa
dlwicki at comcast.net