Time for the duct tape. A sassy mockingbird went up under the netting to peck at a tomato -- I caught him and made a big fuss, and he/she flapped all over, not being able to get out because of the net..but eventually did. I wonder if he'll try it again, but then, it's a mockingbird, so I think, yes.

Well, the Arlington bird population got a good laugh out of my sorry attempt to scare them. The next ripest tomato was tasted yesterday some time. So, step 2 is this netting -- you can just see it in the pic. Emily and I kind of draped it over the plants, and I'm not sure it will be enough either. Keep you posted!