Off-topic (but maybe not really, as an example of increased sound awareness): some mysterious bird has been chirping its little heart out all around our house ever since I got home from the Midwest. Constantly! Incessantly! However it has managed to stay out of sight, frustrating my curious need to make a positive ID on it. Well, satisfaction has brought this kitty back; now I can think, "that robin is hella loud!" instead of "what bird could that be???" I'm so relieved.... Anyway, while I'm on the subject, here are some really cool low-maintenance birds for you city dwellers.