The monthly meeting was held May 6th in the Country Store after the social
hour with the usual delicious food. Many thanks to all responsible for the wonderful assortment of foods and especially, the desserts.  Carolyn Jozwiak, President, started the meeting by introducing Linda Baker, Vice President and Program Chair.  Linda then introduced Tom Barr of Wild Birds Unlimited in Knoxville.    

Mr. Barr presented a program on "Backyard Birding".  Using materials from his store in Knoxville, he first talked about Bluebirds.  He covered Bluebird houses, migration (they don't), brooding and food.  Live Meal Worms are the Bluebird's "to die for" food (their Chocolate??).  He showed us a commercial Bluebird house and feeder and gave us information on home-made alternatives.  He made a point that Bluebirds like an open area around their houses and suggested a row of houses in a fence line to be an ideal set up.

Then, he went on to show and discuss several different types of feeders and food.  He emphasized that seed needs to be fresh and never moldy.  He said that once "bad" food is identified by a bird, they are not likely to return to that same feeder.  He suggested that bird houses and feeders be cleaned with a 1:10 household bleach solution and allowed to completely air dry before being put back to use.  He showed us a new "shell peanut wreath" feeder that looked like a Slinky™ in a circle and showed how as many as 9 feeders could be put on a single multi-armed hanger.  

He provided a "Seed Preference Guide" hand out -- click here to see it on our website.

He made a pitch for the benefits of bats, pointing out that Purple Martins are not match for bats in their ability to eat mosquitoes (1,000 per hour for bats).  

At the end of his presentation, he offered his demonstrated items for sale and gave us each a bag of their premium seed mix.

Thanks, Tom, for a great presentation.

President Jozwiak thanked Mr. Barr for his fine presentation, and started the business meeting.  Carolyn gave a brief financial report, including the income from the 2008 Flower and Garden Show.  She mentioned that two of the clinics were recorded and DVDs will be available.  The membership approved holding the June meeting at the home of Lynne Baker where she will give the monthly presentation on "Theme Gardens and Garden Rooms".  Elections will be at the June meeting when the nomination committee will present their slate of candidates -- nominations from the floor will be allowed at the June meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at about 7:30.

Go to our Calendar to see other events

Hope you can join us!