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Taking Care of Our Birds February is National Bird-Feeding Month in the United States. It was established in 1994 at the request of John Porter, an Illinois congressman, to educate the public on wild bird feeding and watching hobby. February is one of the most difficult months for wild birds, and providing food and shelter will help their survival. Approximately one-third of the United States adult population feed wild birds in their backyards. We recently saw the "Mary Poppins Returns" movie. The appearance of Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury took us back to the original Mary Poppins motion picture of 1964. One of the songs in the film was "Feed The Birds". It is about the "bird woman", an old beggar woman who sits on the steps of St. Pauls Cathedral selling bags of breadcrumbs to passersby. Do you remember Mary Poppins, played by Julie Andrews, singing this to the children.... Feed the birds, tuppence a bag, The song turned out to be one of Walt Disney's favorite songs. It was written by the Sherman brothers, Richard and Robert. When they played and sang it for Walt Disney, he said, "That's it, isn't it? That's what this is all about. This is the metaphor for the whole film". It is why Mary Poppins came, to teach the children, and Mr. Banks, the value of charity. There is a story about Richard Sherman's appearance at Disney's Centennial dedication of the Walt Disney statue at Disneyland, the "Partners" statue of Mickey and Walt Disney holding hands at the Magic Kingdom. He was asked to play some songs. Before playing his last song, Sherman said, "Now I'll play Walt Disney's favorite song, and it's just for him", and he played "Feed The Birds". Sherman was later told that "just toward the end of the song, out of the blue sky one bird flew down where he was playing, and then back up into the clouds". Sherman believes it was Walt. Disney and got emotional when remembering the event.
We give you "Hyde Park Heist" taken in Tampa, Florida. While there is no bird on the feeder, it was meant for wild birds. However, this agile and determined thief took a large leap from a nearby tree and hung on for his snack.
Next, is "Air Meal". While we have nothing to do with feeding these ospreys, we would like to offer it as a monthly special. It was taken in Bonita Springs, Florida. The mother bird was calling loudly for her mate. Eventually he arrived with dinner, having had a snack along the way. Note the fish's missing head. These images are available in table top to wall size, triple matted and with or without a frame. The matted versions are yours at a 10% discount and the framed matted versions in sizes 11x14 and larger can be yours at a 15% discount. Visit our website, www.throughthelensoflee-margaret.com for available sizes and prices. Stop by and see us on Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 12 noon and 2p.m. to 5p.m. The gallery is open for Saturday appointments. Call us at 904-387-8710 to schedule your special visit. Come see us and order now. The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within. — William Cullen Bryant |
