Baby Robin

We have Google to thank for having Betsy as one of our Buddies as it was through a search that she found us. She visits every morning and just cannot wait to see what everyone is up to and she so enjoys all the fabulous photos. She described Buddies as a great bunch of people.

Although she has been interested in birds for most of her life it was in March of 2000 when her interest became her hobby. In the year 2000 she was diagnosed with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) and she had to have dialysis at home, four times per day for 20 minutes at a time. She couldn’t get out into the garden as soil was a danger to her at that time. But while she was laying there attached to the machine she would “space off” while watching all the birds through the window. They got her through some really difficult and tough times and ever since she has been totally obsessed with them.

Song Sparrow

The good news is that in September 2001 Betsy had a kidney transplant and she now describes her life as ‘GREAT’.

Her favourite bird is the Mockingbird because of their attitude and of course their songs. She is most anxious to one day see an Eastern Screech Owl and a Cedar Waxwing.

Betsy hasn’t joined any birding groups as yet but she does hope to attend some watches with the Middle Island Refuge Group. They are situated on an island on Middle Island Creek, bordering the Ohio River. The island is just across the creek from where she grew up as a little girl.

Flicker

She has 3 nesting boxes in her garden. DH made her an owl box and also a generic box for whoever comes along and wishes to move in. The other is a bluebird box which she purchased from WalMart. Betsy and her DH enjoy doing things together and at present they are working on a birdbath and pond project made from hypertufa.

They have around 20 different feeders and they provide black sunflower seed, thistle, safflower, millet, oranges, grape jelly, apples, grapes, bread and homemade suet from “GB’s Recipe Gallery.” She also fills logs with peanut butter. I think the birds that find Betsy’s garden are very fortunate to be able to dine in gourmet style.

House Finch

Both her DH and 18 year old son have an active interest in the birds. Her son just recently spotted a red winged blackbird on the platform outside the kitchen window. He yelled “hey mom c’meer!! what’s that?” She told him and he replied “Awesome”. Something that was so commonplace for Betsy held such an interest for him.

She is only in her first year of providing nesting boxes so as yet hasn’t had any nests. A few sticks hanging out here and there so that sounds promising. Birding has taught her a lot of patience and I am certain that it will pay off for her.

I asked Betsy about her camera and lens and she made me laugh with her reply. She doesn’t have anything special and relies on getting fairly close to take photos. She is looking to receive a new digital camera for her birthday. It’s a toss up between a weed eater or new stove. She said “what the heck with dinner and weeds, a camera will be the ticket.”

Mockingbird

Just a couple of weeks back DH bought her a couple of computer buddies by the names of Bonnar and Babs. They are parakeets and sit right next to her while she is on her computer and they also love to go outside when the weather is fine. Although their mini schnauzer is a little jealous of them he is very gentle when he takes a peek now and then.

Thank you Betsy for sharing your story and we are all so glad that you have joined the happy family at Gardenbuddies.