u/IMissVegas2

The sewer line at the bottom of my driveway was opened for repairs last week. It took several days (and nights) and we now have unwanted guests. Rats! I found one in my feeder for small birds a few days ago, so all feeders came down and I stopped feeding the crows since I saw a rat dart in and grab a piece of the crow's dog kibble (I stopped kibble immediately).

I've stopped feeding my murder and I feel terrible about it, but I'm going to put down some peppermint oil deterrent tomorrow where crows, pets and kids won't get them.

I know the crows have other people feeding them nearby and they'll be fine, but I doubt they'll come back if and when I can resume feeding them.

Other than resume my peanut-pocket walks, which is how the feeding started, I can't think of anything else to do.

I'll make sure garbage bin lids are tight, and no human food is left outside.

Thoughts? (Please no negativity.)

I'm going for a haircut in a salon than is pricier than anyplace else I've ever gone and I'm wondering about the tip.

The cut is $170. If it's a great cut (stylist is very highly rated), how much should I tip? Is $40 enough?

Seattle is expensive and I don't want to be cheap, plus I may want to come back for the more inexpensive trims.

I started to write this just for women, but I think it applies to men, too.

I've always read to wear a hat with a floppy brim when on the water, but I'd rather wear a baseball cap. I currently have a safari type hat.

What does everybody think is the best type of hat?

A male Steller's jay is always the first to the peanuts every afternoon, but instead of grabbing one, he picks one up, shakes it, puts it down, then shakes another one. This continues until he finds an acceptable one to take elsewhere.

It's fun to watch but a little puzzling.

Has anyone else seen this happen?

A new neighbor is moving into the house next door and apparently she's allergic to peanuts.

I was asked by her friend if I could stop feeding peanuts to my crows. Or just stop feeding them at all.

My answer was no, sorry.

Unless she joins the crows for breakfast or dinner, I don't see how a few handfuls of peanuts will hurt her.

I would try to feed the crows farther away from their house, but there's no other spot.

I'd appreciate some feedback from other crow lovers. I'm feeling like a jerk.

I had an unusual encounter at feeding time this morning. I whistled my usual call and my old reliable bird came. I call it "Mute" because it rarely makes a sound.

Mute is usually followed by "Mr. Big Mouth," who always sounds off to let the murder know the food is down. But no one came besides Mute.

I got impatient and rapidly whistled 4 times to imitate Mr. B's "CAWCAWCAWCAW!"

About 6 crows swooped in immediately. They must have been watching from a very close tree.

They seem comfortable with me these days so I'm not sure why they hung back.

I've been whistling twice a day to summon my minions, but some days I just can't whistle.

I don't want to just leave the food out, I really enjoy watching them swoop in.

Has anyone successfully changed their call?

I tried playing a recording of my whistle but they didn't seem to recognize it.

Suggestions for ways to summon them are welcome.

I've befriended a murder of crows and feed them twice a day in my yard.

When do fledglings usually appear in Seattle?