Dear All:
Linda Scarth brings up an important point, one that could just become
a mini-movement that makes the giver and the recievers both feel happy
and fulfilled. . . . . . .
I witnessed first-hand the joy that watching bird feeders and nest
boxes brings to the elderly and infirm. And I feel it is ridiculous
to deny senior citizens and other institutionalized individuals
opportunities to experience and enjoy birds and other components of
the natural world from windows or courtyards at nursing homes,
assisted living facilities, care centers, hospitals, and similar
facilities.
When my parents (and both of my in-laws) were residents in the nursing
home in Lansing, IA, I offered to keep bird feeders filled, and staff
at this facility were pleased that I did so. Residents were even more
appreciative!!! This is an easy task that could be taken on by
birders in many if not most communities in Iowa. Scout groups,
students in high school shop classes, and members of other youth
groups could be enlisted to construct nest boxes and/or "shepherds
hooks" for bird feeders, etc. A little bit of fundraising would go a
long way toward providing "infrastructure" that would last for many
years. Once the benefits to residents of these facilities become
obvious (and this WILL happen), those facilities should feel an
obligation to provide the food birds require, or possibly share in
this cost.
I'm not sure, but my guess would be that having bird feeders and nest
boxes placed near windows and in courtyards where our deserving
elderly are able to enjoy them is up to the directors of each
individual facility. But if there is a state law against this, or if
there is some restriction against such a good deed by an "association
of nursing homes," perhaps someone can uncover those details. If laws
and/or restrictions exist, they could and should be dealt with (and
perhaps eliminated) in a systematic way. Nesting and feeding sites,
and stop-over habitat for migrants are important wherever these can be
Right next to poor care/treatment of Veterans, my next biggest pet
peeve is poor treatment of elderly citizens and handicapped
individuals. If a formal committee or even an informal group of IOU
members would like to dig into this issue, count me in. I can
envision a couple of possible steps. First, if real or imagined
restrictions stand in the way, those should be addressed in a
meaningful way. Second, perhaps a "position paper" could be created
outlining steps to be taken by local facilities, and then made broadly
available. [ This could include advice on planting native species as
per Dr. Tallamy's book "Bringing Nature Home," pros and cons of
various types bird feeders and next boxes, etc., etc. ] If no such
project exists in other states, perhaps Iowa could create a model
program for others to follow! Initial advice could be sought from Dr.
Tallamy on March 11, and also from others. . . .
Although I'm very busy opposing destruction of Northeast Iowa from a
very serious and ongoing threat of frac sand mining, and also holding
down two part-time jobs, I am willing to devote as much time as
possible to this issue IF members of IOU and/or members of other bird-
related organizations are willing to pitch-in. A handful of concerned
about-to-be-senior-citizens ought to be sufficient to make real
progress.
Thank you.
Ric
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Ric Zarwell
Lansing, Allamakee County
Email: [email protected]
Home/Office: 563-538-4991
Mobile: 563-419-4991
GIVE CONSERVATION WINGS
SHOW UP.... SPEAK UP.... ANTE UP....
FOR BIRDS, FOR NATURAL HABITATS, FOR ALL BIODIVERSITY
On Mar 7, 2014, at 12:18 PM, Linda & Robert Scarth wrote:
This morning in the locker room after the water aerobics class at the Y,
someone mentioned birds she was seeing. Another woman said she missed
seeing
many birds since moving to a retirement complex. Bird feeders and bird
houses are not allowed. I was taken aback by this restriction. Older
people
need as much stimulation and pleasure as do children. Many older
people were
probably among the last children in the woods that Richard Louv hoped to
revive in current children in his book "Last Child in the Woods".
I did a quick search on the internet and found that this restriction (no
bird feeders or bird houses) is not unusual in over 55 housing
complexes. I
suppose it is also in place in other types of condominiums, group
housing,
etc. As group housing is being promoted in cities to minimize urban
sprawl,
will this become more common?
Next Tuesday, Dr. Doug Tallamy, who wrote "Bringing Nature Home", will
be
speaking at Kirkwood CC, here in Cedar Rapids, about the value of native
plants and their pollinators. Hummingbirds are pollinators and a
delight to
watch at a feeder. It seems bizarre to be limiting opportunities to
watch
and enjoy nature among a population that may not be able to go to the
woods.
Does anyone know if there has been any research on the impact of this
restriction. I know there is research that looking at a tree out the
window
is good for health and recovery. I would think it would be good to have
birds in the tree.
Linda
Linda & Robert Scarth
1630 Wildwood Dr. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4724
phone: 319-366-6817
email: [email protected]
www: www.scarthphoto.com
blog: scarthphoto.com/wp/
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