• Uncategorized

    Food for Thought: African Lions are Not a Main Course

    As a company concerned with fostering stewardship and conservation in general, we’re finding this story quite disturbing, and thought posting it was in order to help raise awareness.

    Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2013) – Jeffrey Flocken, North American Regional Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), issued the following statement regarding the serving of lion meat at restaurants across the country:

    “It is extremely worrisome to see restaurants across the country promoting the sale and consumption of lion meat. The African lion population already faces many obstacles for survival: a restaurant’s choice to serve up lion meat is simply irresponsible.

    As we witnessed at eateries Taco Fusion (Tampa, Florida) and Mokutanya Yakitori (Burlingame, California) in the last couple of weeks, and many other establishments over the last few years, customers respond negatively to publicity ploys like novelty meats. Modern history shows that almost every restaurant serving lion meat has pulled it from their menu as a direct result of public backlash. A recent Synovate poll found that 63 percent of Americans would stop frequenting an establishment if it started serving lion meat..

    The African lion population has declined by more than 50 percent over the last three decades, and as few as 32,000 remain in the wild. In March 2011 IFAW, along with a coalition of animal welfare organizations, petitioned the U.S. government to list the African lion as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. If listed, serving African lion meat in the U.S. would be illegal.

    Restaurants serving lion meat send a message that they promote exploiting endangered animals. It not only alienates their customers, but it undermines conservation of this iconic species which is already fighting to survive.. For any restaurants considering serving the meat of this imperiled species, we urge you to reconsider: African lions must be conserved, not consumed..”

    About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)

    Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org/bigcatadvocates.

  • Bird Bath,  Bird Baths,  Birdbaths,  Ground Baths,  Uncategorized

    speaking of unusual bird baths

    unusual teak bird baths may be set on the ground, deck, or raised using a planter or metal baseBold colors in the landscape can be lovely, be it flowers, statuary, or even a vibrant birdbath. But some gardens may better lend themselves to a more natural style, maybe a soothing zen-like appearance. These results are best achieved when using materials found in nature to create the space.

    These most unusual teak bird baths fit the bill perfectly when more quiet surroundings are desired. Available in small or large, they may be placed directly on the ground, deck or patio, or raised using a nice planter or iron stand. Birds do tend to bathe more naturally at ground level, but you can bet that fresh water is always welcome at any level.

    Teak you say? Yes! It’s one of the most dense and durable woods available. You know that fine teak patio furniture (that costs a fortune) it’s made for outside and to withstand the elements. Made from reclaimed teak, these bird baths are sanded and polished to further protect them over the years. They’re beautiful in the landscape and no two baths are exactly the same. The generous thickness of the bowl and texture offers birds good footing and lots of perching spots too.

    Although some of these bird baths are 5 to 7 inches tall, we recommend a water depth of just 2 to 3 inches for bird’s safety… especially this time of year when lots of babies start fledging the nest!

  • Bird Houses,  Copper Roof Birdhouse,  Uncategorized

    An OMG thank you for a Copper Roof Birdhouse

    a most lovely thank you for a copper roof birdhouse orderWhen a package was received in the mail today, I had no idea it would be a gift from a customer! Not only the nicest letter any business owner could hope for, but a stunning hand made bracelet to boot!

    Reaction: OMG! Although the birdhouse chick has received many accolades and notes for wonderful customer service and great birding products, I don’t recall ever receiving a gift!

    Did we go above and beyond on this copper roof birdhouse order? Not necessarily, it’s pretty standard procedure that if something should go wrong, we fix it fast and follow through.  January’s frigid temperatures can sometimes cause the vinyl on these houses to become brittle. When shipping companies handle the boxes too roughly (dropping the box out of the truck instead of carrying it) the vinyl may crack.

    So a new base for the big birdhouse was on its way the next day, but when it came time to discard the broken one… our customer couldn’t bear to part with it! Inquiring on repairing the original base, she asked if it was possible to purchase just a roof, and salvage the damaged house. Of course we obliged and all turned out well. No, better than well… it turned out great!

    Thanks to all of our fantastic customers (new and repeat) for housing and feeding the birds 🙂 And to our artists and vendors… you rock!!first photographed in the Atlanta showroom, this large copper roof birdhouse really caught our eye!