When next I travel up there, I will show her the differences again, and look around myself. Her Phoebe doesn't get close to her, not surprised she didn't know it.
Got my bit today, that was a harrowing experience driving into town- took over an hour for a 0 minute trip. When I cut those holes tomorro Rubi, I will measure those gourd thicknesses for you. What you probably have is an overripe summer squash that the skin bubbled on, it will be very thin, and because of the inner pith, will not dry but will simply shrivel into itself as it ages.

Rubi, this is how thin the gourds are, I found it more accurate to measure the skin by using the 'donut hole' itself😉

2 gourds painted and hanging to dry( used old outdoor paint spares). Do I need to clean the pith and seeds from the neck of the gourd if possible?

Nice! I don't think birds are picky about that.

Nope. No need to do that.

Had wondered, thanx guys.