Seven and a half years ago, branch
manager Linda Wolfe, with the financial support of The Friends of the Brandon
Public Library, established a bird feeding and nesting area outside the west
windows of the children’s area. It turned
a weedy patch of unused lawn into a lively area where over 50 species of birds
could drink, bathe, eat, and feed their young. The nest boxes have housed over 50 Eastern Bluebirds, as well as
Carolina wrens and even flying squirrels. A patron built a set of indoor steps where children and parents can
observe the avian visitors with binoculars generously provided by Bass Pro
Shop, and identify the birds using donated field guides and a completely
illustrated binder of every species reported at the viewing area.
As
Linda’s retirement at the end of March approaches, a group of local Master
Gardeners, led by Chris Purser, have organized a plan to dramatically landscape
the feeding and surrounding areas with a variety of native seed- and
fruit-bearing flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide essential food, shelter,
and nesting areas for the birds. The
project should begin in February and be completed well before the spring
nesting season, so keep checking on their progress. If you haven’t seen the birding area yet make
a point of it on your next visit to the library.
Stop in to wish Linda Wolfe a happy retirement after 17
years at the Brandon Public Library and 9 years as manager. If you think, like the staff does, that she
is the reason our branch is the best and most welcoming branch in the Central
Mississippi Regional Library System, then let her know!
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