My wife placed a Christmas basket full of artificial flowers and berries in a hanging basket outside the kitchen window to help brighten up winter days. While eating lunch a day or so ago, a flock of 7 bluebirds ganged up on the basket hoping for an easy lunch. Fortunately the camera/tripod was adjacent to the patio doors so I quickly snapped off a shot of the affair. Am a tad reluctant to post this pic due to being criticized (correctly so!) re the potential of wild birds being affected by plastic--we all know the stories of fishing lines tangling up waterfowl and the senseless damage done to other wildlife due to these kinds of thoughtless acts. As a retired biologist, I am well aware of such and am as critical as any conservationist re these problems. In this instance, I can assure you that no critters were harmed, and the birds immediately discovered the deception and quickly flew off. The hanging basket of plastic flowers and berries were immediately removed from the post. The criticism might be that this represents an extreme method of baiting!! Still, I think it makes an interesting (to me) photo, so make of it what you wish. I feel that everyone deserves a basket full of bluebirds once in their lifetime (and we learned a lesson)!! Also, Happy New Year!

Aside from your too PC apologies to the anal crowd you did a fantastic job of reacting and getting a really sharp photo that few of us ever get to see in print or on screen, much less have an opportunity to see in person. Heck, I don't think I've even seen a bluebird in the wild. Totally understand the rationale behind heading off all the nay-sayers before they get a chance to warm up their hot little fingertips. You did great at that, and absolutely super great with the photo. Thank you. Mucho.

ron