By White Bear Lake Manager LORI EWERT

What sparked my interest in birds? When did it happen?

Something I have never really thought about.

When I was a little kid, my mom was terrified of chickens, so she never wanted to have bird feeders or any birds close by. I remember the movie The Birds, and it terrified me. I thought my mom had to be right—that all birds were just not good.

As time went by, we spent more summer days at the lake. And one day, there she was: the most beautiful loon with her new loonlet. Her sound, her graceful movement, and the loonlet on her back—I can’t tell you how old I was, but I would guess 11 or 12. From that day, birds intrigued me, almost drew me in.

I wanted to know more and found myself drawn to birds of prey. Hawks for sure—to this day—but mostly the majestic, regal, and strong eagle.
I spent hours on the hills watching the eagles flying over the St. Croix River, searching for their massive nests and praying for eaglets.

After my mom passed away, my dad decided it was time to feed the birds. I never knew it, but he loved birds—all birds—but especially the chickadee. He had feeders just outside his windows, and he seemed like a new person. They brought him joy and peace.

I now live in Vadnais Heights. It is 2006. I couldn’t get feeders out fast enough. I always wanted the birds around me. It was easy to fall in love with the multitudes—from cardinals to goldfinches, and yes, I even love the sparrow.

This year, my love is for Bonnie and Clyde—my first-ever bluebirds!

I will never be an expert or spend hours studying the birds, but I will listen to those wiser than me and learn. I will share this love with others always. And even with the bears around (yes, they destroyed my feeders), I will never stop feeding the birds!