Our e-Mail group is the first to know that the new newsletter has been posted on the website and they receive monthly e-Mails. These updates feature recent bird sightings, feeding tips and hike and program reminders.

You can SIGN UP for the e-Mails on-line or at the store. On-line tends to reduce the chance of human error (not being able to read handwriting can be frustrating). Don’t forget to add us to allowed e-Mails if you have a filter set up.

If you like the e-Mail newsletters you can have us take you off the paper copy list or simply receive both.

EXPANDED FUN STUFF AREA

While we have always carried a few items for children, this season we have greatly expanded that selection. We have a new shipment of the always popular Singing Birds from Wild Republic, as well as new explorer backpacks and binoculars from the same folks.

Perhaps the item that has gotten the most attention are the card games from Professor Noggin. These fun and educational games feature questions about birds, snakes, insects or North American wildlife.



We have just received a new selection of puzzles for the young and young at heart. With snow coming, a good puzzle is great family entertainment tool to have around.

How many uses can you think of for the Outhouse Birdhouse?

THINKING OUTSIDE THE (NEST) BOX

Most of our customers are coming in for bird feeders and houses to use in the traditional manner. A surprising number of them can be used in other ways around the house. If you are, as I am, a bird lover who likes to have your hobby represented in your decorating, we can help. Aside from our gift items like the great kitchen towels and cutting boards, regular feeders and houses can be adapted for household use. We have a cute gumball machine feeder that we have been using as a people feeder in the store, a beautiful painted seed can that could store anything or even be a wastebasket, an outhouse birdhouse that looks great in the bathroom holding tissues or spare toilet paper and a window feeder that can go on the inside of your kitchen window to hold small pots of herbs. I’m excited about a new cast iron dish feeder what will be holding Hershey’s kisses at my house this holiday season. Our long handled feeder brushes could be just what you need to clean the lint out of your dryer. Of course, all of our shepard’s hooks and deck arms can be used to hold potted plants or windsocks as well as feeders. The next time you are in, take a look around and maybe you’ll see something outside the nestbox.

PROJECT FEEDER WATCH

Join us for the 22nd season of Project FeederWatch. Last year 115,000 Checklists from Citizen Scientists across the U.S. and Canada were submitted to Cornell. It’s not too late to get involved. Counts go from November through April. If you only want to count once a month or you can’t feed birds at your house, consider volunteering at the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty (816-781-8598). For more information on Project FeederWatch visit www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw or call 800-843-BIRD (2473). There is a $15.00 fee to pay for materials.