RE: moving dilemma-posted 10/4/00- our response.

Hi,
Saw your note to tweeters about moving and yard birds. We rent a very
small house in a heavily landscaped type area near Edmonds, we are a
oasis for birds since we don't use lawn chemicals and we still have lots
of trees and brush. We have been here 4 years and have fed birds of many
species. Our yard list is 67. We have many nest boxes and have fledged
over 35 Chestnut back chickadees, 25 black capped chickadees, and 20 or
so wrens, and this summer a pair of Bushtits build a nest right outside
our living room window and fledged 7 young. Numerous Towhees, Robins,
Goldfinches, and a pair of Annas Hummer have also all nested on our
rented little piece of heaven (bird wise that is).
Our dilemma is that soon we too will have to move. Our landlord lets us
keep his property "rustic" and bird friendly only because he is saving
it (temporarily) as an investment. But it will be bulldozed down soon,
and landscaped to fit the rest of the neighborhood. So we do know and
share your pain. These birds, especially the returning nesters, are like
part of the family.
My suggestion, give a healthly price break to someone you know to be a
birder or bird friendly house buyer......(Hey, that's us!!! We're in the
market for a nice bird friendly property.)
Unfortunately on a teachers salary, I don't think we would qualify. A
problem that seems to be far to common in the Pacific Northwest. Oh well
..........
Good luck on your move, and if you want to sell cheap, give us a shout.
Arthur