*sigh* well, my husband took care of the bird last night The flies are still around, but hopefully they'll go away soon. I sprayed lysol everywhere and went homicidal just a few minutes ago with a rolled up magazine 5 or 6 flies bit the dust I looked at our sliding glass door where the flies were congregating and discovered that they can freely wander in under the door!! I guess I'll stuff a towel down there or something to keep furthur intruders out. After that I might have to stop by our self-help store (like a hardware store, but free) and see if they have some weather stripping. thanks for your support. It may be the hormones talking, but this was a MAJOR catastrophe in my book..