94 years old, that’s what the lady on the other end of the line stated. Spending her days and nights in an assisted-living facility here in the Atlanta area, she was looking for a bird feeder – a special one for her son’s wedding anniversary gift.

She referred to a solar feeder she had in her yard, and how beautiful it was at night with all the trees behind it. Admittedly at first, I wasn’t so keen on the idea of finding and special-ordering this, as solar feeders are not offered on our website. But the more we spoke… the more I liked her and wanted to help.

Marcella was actually pretty cool, and it was clear how dearly she missed having her yard and the birds. Ponder that thought for a moment: No more yard and no birds… it’s really quite sad if you once knew the simple, yet rewarding pleasures of backyard birding. Not to be able to have or do that anymore pretty much stinks.

The search began, and there were pages and pages on the web, but when I looked, all were out of stock and/or discontinued, and frankly, most looked like junk. Are they really that popular? It was a trip to my local WBU for some seed that spawned the idea… something she, her son and the birds would love to have! I know that manufacturer, made in the USA, good quality and attractive. I can get her this feeder and she’ll be proud to give it as a gift.

Taking her info over the phone was comical, and she insisted getting old is for the birds! I did let her know that 94 is something to be proud of, and that I would not likely make it that long.

The package is due to arrive tomorrow at Wellington Assisted Living, so on Wednesday I’ll definitely call her to see what she thinks. At 26 inches tall, it’s handcrafted cedar with a handsome lamp fixture on top… I think she’ll be pleased!

This post is in your honor Marcella – and thanks for feeding the birds all those years 🙂