Gary's taking a break and will return on June 28. While he's gone, we'll print some of his columns from the past. Today's is from Aug. 29, 1995.

Dear Gary: Parents of the last nest on my balcony (finches) used a lot of tinsel, and even the last survivor had a red gouge in its neck where the tinsel had wrapped itself around him.

Where did it come from in summer?

Sandra J. Hershkowitz,

Walnut Creek

Dear Sandra: Birds are adept at finding unusual materials for nest building.

I've seen nests with gold chains woven in the twigs, rubber bands, dental floss, tinsel, copper wire, fishing line and pantyhose.

Tinsel is actually pretty easy to find. Just go look around on the ground where you left your Christmas tree for the Scouts to pick up.

Consider this my monthly reminder to dispose of all that stuff where the birds can't find it.

Baby birds die or are mutilated when strings wrap around legs or necks.

Dear Gary: Why are ferrets outlawed in California? My friend in Michigan was given a ferret for a pet. She is returning to the Bay Area in the spring.

Ellen Noller,

El Sobrante

Dear Ellen: The California Department of Fish and

Tell your friend to think twice before bringing her pet until it gets resolved -- if ever.

Dear Gary: We found our tiny female Siamese, Ming, huddled behind the couch this morning.

She was terrified and had long scratches and puncture wounds on her back, and one of her ears was split down the middle as if cut with scissors. The veterinarian said the punctures were quite deep, and something had obviously attacked her.

What in the world did this? Now Ming refuses to use her cat door and go outside.

Dottie C.,

Sunol

Dear Dottie: The puncture wounds (pointy talons) and sliced ear (sharp beak) are classic signs of an attack by a great horned owl.

Since Ming doesn't want to go back outside, now is a good time to turn your vulnerable outside cat into a safe INdoor pet.

Dear Gary: Fairbanks landed on our heads on a summer afternoon. Too young to be out of his scrub jay nest, too old to go back.

Screeching and stumbling, he chased my son, Ryan, and his friend around the yard. Afraid the crazy bird who hopped up our stairs trying to get into our house was rabid, my daughter and I ran screaming! The following day, realizing Fairbanks was a young jay who hadn't learned the ways of his world, we began to enjoy his company.

We fed him bread and bought him meal worms. We called his name and he came to us and landed on our fingers. Fairbanks became a part of our family, which included three children, a dog, cat and hamster. He was wanted and loved. He was a bit of a watch bird, greeting and surprising those who came to our house.

When he finally left to explore his world, it was nice to know he had wanted to be our friend.

Fairbanks, who was just a baby jay, was a marvelous example of nature and nature's way. We miss you!

Toni Russell and family,

Orinda

Dear Russell family: Every so often, Mother Nature opens a door and lets us take a closer peek at what's living in her secret gardens. In the process, if you're lucky, a little special bonding takes place.

Treasure it.

Contact Gary Bogue at garybug@infionline.net; or write Gary, P.O. Box 8099, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.