Thanks Jane, Ali, and others who wrote to me!   Sadly I have taken down my feeders, at least for the moment.  I have some small hummer feeders on the 2nd story windows and a mealworm tray up there as well for my bluebirds.   I know the birds will be fine, and I am probably a lot more upset than they are!   It's just such a crucial time as I have so many nesting pairs I've gotten to know  and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of their fledglings...   we'll see - maybe we'll have a nice wet balance of the spring and a "fruitful" summer so the bears can stay where they below - fingers crossed...   for now, have to do what's safe for my family and dogs - and the bear!

Wistful in Manchester,

Courtney