If you know anything about catbirds swooping down on people and dogs, please stop here

[TuxedoKat]

69. I think that

is a great attitude to have about the Mockingbirds. I've read that Crows can recognize people after seeing them just once, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Mockingbirds recognize you. They would probably still swoop at you if you got too close to a nest though, but maybe if you keep feeding them and giving them water they wouldn't. I read that they like raisins and dried mealworms in that link I sent you. I'd like to get one of those platform feeders to see if I could attract some to my yard that way. OK, I'll see what I can do about the drawings.

Re birdbaths, there are simple ones you can make from things around your house. For example, an empty soda can with a small hole in the bottom, filled with water and hanging from a tree will attract birds. I guess you could even put a bowl under it to catch the water. We have a big depression in our driveway that collects water (we've had alot of rain lately) and yesterday I saw a Starling bathing in it. We live on a lake, but I'm thinking to put some more water closer to the house to see what kind of birds it will attract.

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/birdbath.htm

http://lifeonthebalcony.com/make-your-own-bird-bath-its-easy/

http://www.solarbirdbath.net/make_a_bird_bath.html

This one looks fun and easy. I'll have to keep my eyes open at the Dollar Stores for something like the dish used in this one:

http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2012/01/easy-bird-bath-to-make.html