ONTARIO — Birds like Christmas, too.
At least that’s what the folks at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary like to believe. The nonprofit’s 16th annual Christmas for the Birds event welcomed enthusiasts from all over the county Saturday. What they thought would be a failure because of icy road conditions turned out to be the largest turnout since the event’s beginnings in 1999.
“We’re really surprised by how many people actually made the trip,” said Executive Director Gail Laux. “I couldn’t even get out my driveway until 10:30 this morning because it was so slick.”
Despite the weather, families came with their children, whether grandchildren, nieces or nephews. OBS provided a hall full of complimentary refreshments, craft tables, an adorned 17-foot tree, Santa Clause and photo opportunities with three predatory birds accompanied by part-time staffers — all free of charge.
“We just encourage people to bring donations for our birds,” said Youth Program Coordinator Julie Schwartz.
Guests brought bird feed, avian clinic supplies and some brought financial gifts. OBS was founded in 1988 by Laux to offer a rehabilitation center for Ohio’s raptors. The center then opened a public facility in 1999 to invite members of the public to participate in educational events.
The sanctuary currently is home to over 60 raptors and various species of songbirds, Schwartz said. She said the sanctuary contains all of Ohio’s five native species (owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey) of predatory birds, whether there for rehabilitation or as permanent dwellers.
Laux said the sanctuary is currently seeking help from volunteers for “not-so-fun” work. She said the nonprofit, which employs 12, always accepts monetary donations.
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