Food banks and birds

It's a tough time of year for many: emotionally, and financially. Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank, speaks to the need. They have gone from from 4.1 million visits per year to 10 million visits. Their  budget has increased from $8 million  to $40 Million  per year. 

These statistics give me pause. He says that 60% of their clients have college or university education, and 50% are employed. The working poor in Canada don't have the safety nets that others have in Canada. I'm still horrified by CEO and professional athlete salaries.

There are many people who support food banks. The government give tax credits to farmers who donate fresh fruit and veggies, but in Canada we are limited in our growing season. 

Okay, I just wanted to put out the statistics here. It gives me pause. There are so many demands and requests for help at Christmas. I am inclined to let those so moved during December celebrations to make donations. I prefer to support organizations monthly. 

🐿️  🦫  🦊  🪿  🦌  🦨  🐀 🐇 🦥 

Back to your regularly scheduled program... 

The birds are hungry. Butch Raccoon is content to sleep in Wednesday's -9 ℃ temperatures. Barry Beaver is under the ice. Not a sign of him Tuesday. 

We've two male cardinals. 

My friend gifted me some new feeders. She has moved to an apartment. We are all grateful.

 

The mourning doves scare everyone when they fly in and land. 

My gifted bird bath draws the birds. The upside down pot hides the cord, and protects it. The brick ensures the squirrels don't knock it off.

I tried to capture the drink and the swallow process. The goldfinch, in its winter colours, wasn't cooperative! They bend, then stretch their necks to swallow.

The Blue Jay was a little better at performance art. 

swallow!

My friend, Kit, posted a photo of 27 swans on the nearby lake. I was in my back 40 looking for owls last week and I heard a honk. A pair of swans flew overhead. I was not quick enough for a photo. Here is a pair from Feb. 2020, at Narrows Lock.

March, 2015

We've two regular Gray Squirrel (black morph) friends, #75 and his buddy. They like to chase up and down the horse chestnut tree, and run after each other.