54 wings a flapping

Here's a cool guy. Mr. Pete Dubacher. He runs a bird sanctuary in Petersburgh, N.Y.

The sanctuary is located on 20 acres and has been in existence for 33 years. He has taken in and cared for over 1500 birds which represent over 100 different species. The birds are either brought to him injured or relinquished by the owners.

He has a bird that was injured in the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska. Her name is Veronica. He also has a bird that was injured by an airplane in Moab, Utah. He's the General. Even though they were in captivity, they had offspring. Then the little guys were released into the wild through the Fish and Wildlife Department in Vermont. Right now, they are flying over Lake Champlain. Oh sigh. That does my heart good.

Here is a man DEVOTED to these animals. He has put the word out that he will take injured birds from the Gulf Coast. Maybe in some years we will all read about birds that were able to be released back into the wild due to his love and care.

At any time he has some of the following birds: pheasants, hawks, ducks, owls, cranes, pigeons and parakeets.

He also has a botanical garden on the property, with hundreds of plants and exotic flowers. They welcome exotic plants that need a good home.

You can visit!!!! It's only 8 bucks to enter. I think 8 bucks is nuttin' to get to see what Pete has accomplished. And I know you know that when you have given yourself to a labor of love such as this, moola is always welcome and well spent.

Directions and oodles of other info are on the website. http://www.birdparadise.org.

It's in Grafton, N.Y. Which is where I was married. Which is a gorgeous drive and now has a terrific destination at the end of it. Let me know if you go and I'll do the same.