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Bird Bath Donation Request
After reading the contact form notification, Google was used to verify the address and get a look at the nursing home. Kevin even said to call the home and gave the phone number. At first I thought Kevin was an employee, but after actually speaking realized he was one of the residents at St. Francis.Here’s the actual request:
Message / Comments / Questions
HI, MY NAME IS KEVIN G. I AM LIVING IN A NURSE HOME. CALL ST FRANCES.ADDRESS 417 INDUSTRIAL DR OBERLIN LA 70655.I AM ASKING YOULL FOR HELP PLEASE. LIKE A DONATION OF ONE BIRD BATH. PLEASE.THIS WILL MAKE THESE OLD PEOPLE HERE VERY HAPPY.Look at the image, it’s called a nursing home, how sad is that? I’d imagine residents have little to no family, and the ones who do-likely don’t see them too often. A friend had started a program a while back called “birds for brains”. It was a wonderful (but short-lived I think) endeavor where a we, and a few other retailers donated bird feeders, and local feed & seed stores donated seed. The neighboring boy scout troops maintained these feeders at several nursing homes. The interaction among residents just watching the birds was delightful. It gave them something engaging to do and brought smiles to their faces.
Back in the day, kevin likely had his own yard filled with sweet birds. We’ll definitely oblige and send along a hanging bird bath for Kevin and the other residents… and for the birds. A feeder probably wouldn’t do much good as funds are limited for this group of old souls and seed costs money. At least water’s free and it is a great way to entice some feathered friends.
And by chance if anyone in the birding industry happens to catch this post, please consider something to entice wild birds for the residents of St. Francis, even a bench or chairs to sit outside and watch them. The guy’s for real, as is the address above and the place. Especially with Thanksgiving upon us, how can you not be thankful for what you have by giving to others?
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Totally Fun Birdhouse Kits for Ages 5 through 105
Stumped for a fun and thoughtful gift for a nature buff on your list? Consider something totally cool and totally green like birdhouse kits.These innovative designs arrive in flat packaging, and since they’re like puzzles to assemble, there’s no nails, screws or tools required. It makes perfect sense… for feathered friends too!
Due to a decreasing supply of natural nesting cavities, these fun little homes are a welcome site for small songbirds – hey, because real estate’s tough out there!
Providing a proper nest site for spring, the Tweet Home in recycled plastic makes for an excellent roost during the off-season too. In the most vibrant colors and two designs, there’s six styles from which to choose. You may even need the instructions for this one 🙂
The Totally Green Birdhouse Kit (yes, that’s really the name) is crafted from recycled paper that’s laminated into strong board. This one allows for unlimited creativity too! Its weather-proof design is biodegradable after the nesting season, and the packaging is filled with photos and useful tips on cavity-dwelling birds. Paint it any way your heart desires because birds certainly won’t mind a colorful home!
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These Guys Use Bat Houses too – Please Advocate for Them
Almost eight years later and we’re still dealing with the mysterious fungus known as white nose syndrome which is critically affecting the bat population. Originating in the northeastern US, it’s continually spreading further west and south. Although it may seem trivial to some, the furry, winged mammals (yes they’re mammals) play a key role in the eco-system… especially to farmers and their crops.
A little cl
oser to home, as in our own backyards, bats help control insect populations with behavior that for the most part, goes unnoticed. They just happen to be some of our major pollinators too!By offering shelter in the form of bat houses, you’ll encourage the critters to stick around. Several species are known to use the houses for roosting, and the shelters range in size from a single chamber to larger 5-chamber models. There’s even designer bat houses to enhance your landscape!
If you can spare 60 seconds, please see the quick note below from the Center for Biological Diversity, and take a stand for bats… thanks!
Since 2006 a deadly fungal disease called white-nose syndrome has killed nearly 7 million North American bats, pushing several species to the brink of extinction and creeping farther across the country every year.
But at least one of these species may get big help from the feds: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to protect northern long-eared bats under the Endangered Species Act.
These bats have declined by 98 percent over a large portion of their range, and have been waiting a painfully long time for an emergency rescue. But — just as life-saving protections are in sight — the Service’s proposal to protect the creatures could be derailed by greedy energy companies, who are lining up to limit the bat’s protection.
Please take action now to tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect northern long-eared bats without delay. If we wait any longer, it may well be too late.
Birding Tips, Information & News
