Is DSC right for you? Wild Birds Unlimitedzarkadan/wbu/newsletter/December2005.pdfDear Friends,...
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Dear Friends, There is a lot going on this month but I hope you can still fit us into your schedule and tell us some of your bird stories. A lot of bird activity has been reported to us over the last few weeks and we are always excited to hear about your birds. At the store we have been busy stocking all sorts of new and exciting products including some new nature gifts, feeders, new bird seed blends and even some pet food. We invite you to come take a look at all that is going on. We have even partnered with the Michigan Audubon Society on their membership drive. For our part, we are going to give away a FREE MAS membership ($25 value) for purchases of $100 or more in our store (see a sales associate for details.) We have also been busy building out our second store which will be located in the Coolidge Court on the corner of Coolidge Rd and Lake Lansing Rd in East Lansing. With luck, we will be opening the doors for business sometime in the middle of December. Keep an eye out for that because the look of that store and the products we will stock will be spectacular. Our commitment to service will also follow us to the 2 nd location. Finally, I recently ran across an interesting article that I thought many of our bird-loving friends would like to read. It contains a lot of fun trivia and involves the interpretation of a song that most have probably heard before, whether you celebrate the holiday or not. It is printed here with permission and it describes the birds of the song “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The Birds of the Song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" Jeff and Amy Price The twelve days of Christmas actually refer to the days occurring between Christmas and Epiphany. Traditionally, this period was often observed with parties or other celebrations. While the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is often listed as a traditional medieval English carol, it may have its roots in France. Over the centuries the song has undergone many changes and some of the words Americans now sing may be anglicizations of the original text. Our interpretation of the meaning of this song is that it represents preparations for a party being held on the evening of Twelfth Night. What does this have to do with birds? Well, the first seven ‘gifts' are all birds. We thought it would be fun to discuss which birds might actually be represented in the song - as well as provide some wild North American species that could be substituted in the song instead. On the first day of Christmas . . . The partridge in the song most likely refers to the Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix), a species native to Britain. If the song actually originated in France it might also refer to the Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa), a species introduced to England in 1790 (after the song was written). While the Gray Partridge has been successfully introduced into parts of North America, a better choice might be any of the members of the grouse family - perhaps Sharp-tailed or Ruffed Grouse. The two turtle doves given the second day could refer to European Turtle-Doves (Streptopelia turtur), a species found in England and France during the summer months. North America’s most widespread equivalent would be the Eurasian Collared-Dove. This species was introduced into the Bahamas in 1974 and has now spread throughout much of the Southeast. Prefer a native species? Mourning Doves could be substituted instead. We were unable to find any clues as to which type of chickens the three French hens refer to. It has been thousands of years since the Red Jungle Fowl of India and Southeast Asia was first domesticated and became the ancestor of all domestic chicken breeds. In this country a wild equivalent would be the Greater or Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Four colly birds. Typically, the song lyrics are four calling birds, possibly an anglicization of four colly birds. Colly refers to soot or coal black and a colly bird probably refers to the Blackbird (Turdus merula). The Blackbird is actually a thrush, not a blackbird. As for their edibility, remember the nursery rhyme with the words "four and twenty Blackbirds baked in a pie." In North America the closest relative would be the American Robin - a member of the genus Turdus, but not very black. Five gulderers. Huh? Some experts think the phrase five golden rings may be an anglicization of the term five gulderers. A gulderer typically referring to a turkey or possibly a guinea fowl and thus going better with the spirit of the song. Turkeys were first carried to Europe from Mexico early in the 16th century; first appearing in England in 1524. The Wild Turkey is widespread throughout much of North America. Six geese a-laying. Many domestic geese are descendants of the Greylag Goose (Anser anser). While Greylag Geese can sometimes be found in parks in North America, the wild alternative would be Greater White-fronted Goose. The geese ‘a-laying' suggest that these birds weren't eaten but were given in order to provide eggs for the party guests, possibly for the morning after the party. Seven swans a-swimming. Mute Swans are widely used for ornamentation on estates, such as where a Twelfth Night party may have been held. Mute Swans have been introduced and established in many parts of North America. For a North American native swan choose the Trumpeter (only found in North America) or Tundra (which is also found in England). What about the rest of the song? Well the maids a-milking are providing drinks for the party, the drummers drumming and pipers piping are the musical entertainment, and the ladies dancing and lords a-leaping are the party guests. Is DSC right for you? This is a question many ponder when we ask if you would like to join the Daily Savings Club. There is a $22 membership fee and many wonder if there are enough benefits that warrant the fee. Let me outline some of the benefits and let you decide. If you look only at the savings of wildlife food, you need to spend just about $146 per year feeding your birds. Do you spend that much? And did you know this 15% discount applies to seed wreaths and pinecones that you can use to decorate your yard or give to friends as gifts. So if you spend $146 on wildlife food, you’ve already saved enough to pay back the membership. Then after you spend $150 (just $4 more) you will receive a $10 Birdbuck coupon that you can use on anything. You don’t have to buy $150 worth of merchandise all at once, spend over a years time and we will keep track. You also receive a free gift for joining valued at about $8-10. Plus you are elegible for member only discounts on a variety of monthly specials. December’s DSC specials include: 50¢ off Endangered Species Chocolate bars (limit 6 per visit). $5 off any Bird Bath or heater priced $45 or more. Remember, open water attracts a wide variety of birds in the wintertime. 15% off any tube birdfeeder. They make great gifts for those nature lovers, and we will wrap them for FREE! The savings really do add up. Try it for a year and see if you agree. Speaker for Hire. Are you looking for a speaker to talk about backyard wildlife for an upcoming event? Would your organization or school like to learn more about how you can participate in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count ? If you would like to learn more about these and other seasonal Bird-related topics contact Daniel at 517-349-6417. A nominal fee is charged for talks to cover expenses. Wild Birds Unlimited 1739 W Grand River, Okemos Ph. (517) 349-6417 Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm Sun: Noon – 5pm And coming mid-December 2200 Coolidge Rd. East Lansing Ph. (517) 337-9920 Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm Web: www.wbu.com/okemos
Transcript of Is DSC right for you? Wild Birds Unlimitedzarkadan/wbu/newsletter/December2005.pdfDear Friends,...
Dear Friends, There is a lot going on this month but I hope you can still fit us into your schedule and tell us some of your bird stories. A lot of bird activity has been reported to us over the last few weeks and we are always excited to hear about your birds. At the store we have been busy stocking all sorts of new and exciting products including some new nature gifts, feeders, new bird seed blends and even some pet food. We invite you to come take a look at all that is going on. We have even partnered with the Michigan Audubon Society on their membership drive. For our part, we are going to give away a FREE MAS membership ($25 value) for purchases of $100 or more in our store (see a sales associate for details.) We have also been busy building out our second store which will be located in the Coolidge Court on the corner of Coolidge Rd and Lake Lansing Rd in East Lansing. With luck, we will be opening the doors for business sometime in the middle of December. Keep an eye out for that because the look of that store and the products we will stock will be spectacular. Our commitment to service will also follow us to the 2nd location. Finally, I recently ran across an interesting article that I thought many of our bird-loving friends would like to read. It contains a lot of fun trivia and involves the interpretation of a song that most have probably heard before, whether you celebrate the holiday or not. It is printed here with permission and it describes the birds of the song “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
The Birds of the Song "The Twelve Days of
Christmas" Jeff and Amy Price
The twelve days of Christmas actually refer to the days occurring between Christmas and Epiphany. Traditionally, this period was often observed with parties or other celebrations. While the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is often listed as a traditional medieval English carol, it may have its roots in France. Over the centuries the song has undergone many changes and some of the words Americans now sing may be anglicizations of the original text. Our interpretation of the meaning of this song is that it represents preparations for a party being held on the evening of Twelfth Night. What does this have to do with birds? Well, the first seven ‘gifts' are all birds. We thought it would be fun to discuss which birds might actually be represented in the song - as well as provide some wild North American species that could be substituted in the song instead. On the first day of Christmas . . . The partridge in the song most likely refers to the Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix), a species native to Britain. If the song actually originated in France it might also refer to the Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa), a species introduced to England in 1790 (after the song was written). While the Gray Partridge has been successfully introduced into parts of North America, a better choice might be any of the members of the grouse family - perhaps Sharp-tailed or Ruffed Grouse.
The two turtle doves given the second day could refer to European Turtle-Doves (Streptopelia turtur), a species found in England and France during the summer months. North America’s most widespread equivalent would be the Eurasian Collared-Dove. This species was introduced into the Bahamas in 1974 and has now spread throughout much of the Southeast. Prefer a native species?
Mourning Doves could be substituted instead.
We were unable to find any clues as to which type of chickens the three French hens refer to. It has been thousands of years since the Red Jungle Fowl of India and Southeast Asia was first domesticated and became the ancestor of all domestic chicken breeds. In this country a wild equivalent would be the Greater or Lesser Prairie-Chicken.
Four colly birds. Typically, the song lyrics are four calling birds, possibly an anglicization of four colly birds. Colly refers to soot or coal black and a colly bird probably refers to the Blackbird (Turdus merula). The Blackbird is actually a thrush, not a blackbird. As for their edibility, remember the nursery rhyme with the words "four and twenty Blackbirds baked in a pie." In North America the closest relative would be the American Robin - a member of the genus Turdus, but not very black. Five gulderers. Huh? Some experts think the phrase five golden rings may be an anglicization of the term five gulderers. A gulderer typically referring to a turkey or possibly a guinea fowl and thus going better with the spirit of the song. Turkeys were first carried to Europe from Mexico early in the 16th century; first appearing in England in 1524. The Wild Turkey is widespread throughout much of North America. Six geese a-laying. Many domestic geese are descendants of the Greylag Goose (Anser anser). While Greylag Geese can sometimes be found in parks in North America, the wild alternative would be Greater White-fronted Goose. The geese
‘a-laying' suggest that these birds weren't eaten but were given in order to provide eggs for the party guests, possibly for the morning after the party.
Seven swans a-swimming. Mute Swans are widely used for ornamentation on estates, such as where a Twelfth Night party may have been held. Mute Swans have been introduced and established in many parts of North America. For a North American native swan choose the Trumpeter (only found in North America) or Tundra (which is also found in England).
What about the rest of the song? Well the maids a-milking are providing drinks for the party, the drummers drumming and pipers piping are the musical entertainment, and the ladies dancing and lords a-leaping are the party guests.
Is DSC right for you? This is a question many ponder when we ask if you would like to join the Daily Savings Club. There is a $22 membership fee and many wonder if there are enough benefits that warrant the fee. Let me outline some of the benefits and let you decide. If you look only at the savings of wildlife food, you need to spend just about $146 per year feeding your birds. Do you spend that much? And did you know this 15% discount applies to seed wreaths and pinecones that you can use to decorate
your yard or give to friends as gifts. So if you spend $146 on wildlife food, you’ve already saved enough to pay back the membership. Then after you spend $150 (just $4 more) you will receive a $10 Birdbuck coupon that you can use on anything. You don’t have to buy $150 worth of merchandise all at once, spend over a years time and we will keep track. You also receive a free gift for joining valued at about $8-10. Plus you are elegible for member only discounts on a variety of monthly specials. December’s DSC specials include:
50¢ off Endangered Species Chocolate bars (limit 6 per visit). $5 off any Bird Bath or heater priced $45 or more. Remember, open water attracts a wide variety of birds in the wintertime. 15% off any tube birdfeeder. They make great gifts for those nature lovers, and we will wrap them for FREE!
The savings really do add up. Try it for a year and see if you agree.
Speaker for Hire.
Are you looking for a speaker to talk about backyard wildlife for an upcoming event? Would your organization or school like to learn more about how you can participate in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count? If you would like to learn more about these and other seasonal Bird-related topics contact Daniel at 517-349-6417. A nominal fee is charged for talks to cover expenses.
17Ph.MoSunAn22 Ph.MoWe
Wild Birds Unlimited 39 W Grand River, Okemos (517) 349-6417 n – Sat: 10am – 6pm : Noon – 5pm
d coming mid-December 00 Coolidge Rd. East Lansing (517) 337-9920 n – Sat: 10am – 6pm b: www.wbu.com/okemos
Great Gifts
Use this coupon and receive a $1 discount off the price of our Everyday Feeder Cleaning.* Start the New Year off with a professionally cleaned and sanitized feeder.
Your Birds will thank you!
*This coupon may be used for up to 3 feeders maximum. Regular cost of feeder cleaning is $5. Coupon Expires Dec. 31, 2005.
Use this coupon to take $5
off any purchase of $30 or more.*
* Limit one coupon per visit. Coupon cannot be used with any other savings offers. It cannot be used for purchase of DSC membership, Gift cards or previous purchases. Coupon Expires Dec. 31, 2005.
2nd Store Opening Soon! We’ve been working extra hard to get ready to open our second store. With a little luck, we should be able to open by the middle of December. We may not have everything perfectly arranged and we may not be as fully stocked as the Okemos store, but we will try. If you would like to visit when we open or are just curious to see how far along we are and want to peak in the window, stop by the Coolidge Court. It is on the corner of Coolidge Rd and Lake Lansing Rd in East Lansing. The address is 2200 Coolidge Rd. Suite 17. The phone number for the new store will be 517-337-9920 but won’t be answered until we open in mid-December. Store Hours will be Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: Closed.
Educational books for all ages and CDs
to help learn and identify local Birds.
Listen to the bird calls in your hand.
The Identiflyer $29.95
Energy Binoculars from Eagle Optics.
A great all-around binocular and at $39.95, perfect for younger ages to
start their bird-watching hobby.
From about $10 to $1550, we’ve got the chime that is priced and sized to suit everyone’s desires. Our largest from hook to sail measures over 8 ft.
Seed ornaments and wreaths in a
variety of styles make a perfect gift. Prices range from about $5 to $25.
Housing for cavity nesters is often used by the birds in the winter for a warming roost. Roosting pockets
$4.99, houses start at $14.99
Prewrapped hostess gifts are available for under $30, or find your own in our
store and we’ll wrap it for you!
Our “Little Birdie Told Me” Gift Registry is a perfect way to let your family and
friends know what you really want. Ask a sales associate for details.
Great Gifts
Have a lot of Holiday shopping to do?
Use this coupon to take $15
off any purchase of $100 or more.*
Purchases over $100 may also qualify you for
a FREE MAS membership‡
* Limit one coupon per visit. Coupon cannot be used with any other savings offers. It cannot be used for purchase of DSC membership or Gift Cards. Coupon Expires Dec. 31, 2005. ‡To qualify, pre-tax purchases must total $100 or more after all discounts. New MAS members only.
New WBU Decorative Hummingbird
Feeders in 3 attracting colors. $29.90
Bring Nature Home For The Holidays!
Look no further than Wild Birds Unlimited this holiday for gifts suitable for beginners or seasoned bird enthusiasts – as well as gifts for nature lovers of all ages. Discover unique gifts and stocking stuffers at Wild Birds Unlimited. From nature and birding books to accessories just right for the home and garden, they’re all available at our store! We have an unsurpassed selection of binoculars, squirrel-proof feeders and a variety of decorative feeders ready to spice up any backyard feeder set up. You really can complete your entire holiday gift-giving list at Wild Birds Unlimited. Our Certified Birdfeeding Specialists are ready to help you bring people and nature together this holiday season. We also have gift registries in the store. Come fill one out with what you would really like to receive and then send in the friends and family to see us for the list. We are happy to suggest new ideas for gifts as well as ways to attract the most birds to your backyard. All of us at Wild Birds Unlimited wish you and yours a Joyous Holiday and a Happy New Year!
An open source of water is very attractive to birds. Heaters and heated baths starting at $18.99
The WBU Window Feeder $25.49. Great for getting the birds up close.
The New Fundamentals Squirrel
Resistant Feeder, $39.99. Many other varieties available to help keep those
pesky squirrels at bay. 1739 W Grand River, OkemosPh. (517) 349-6417 Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm Sun: Noon – 5pm And coming mid-December 2200 Coolidge Rd. East Lansing Ph. (517) 337-9920 Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm News and Birding information on the Web: www.wbu.com/okemos
Ecotough Recycled Feeders are good
for the environment and an easy to maintain feeder that birds love.
Different styles and sizes from $34.99
