This program will be held outside in the library's backyard in order to maintain social distancing. Chairs will be available, or feel free to bring your own comfy lawn chair. There is no charge for this program. Attendance is limited to 20.
Hear the story behind the recently published book, “Stories from the Bird Lady,” during this book talk program by Marsh Haven Nature Center director, Renee Wahlen. This 204-page book is a compilation of articles written over a 30 year period by raptor rehabilitator Barbara Harvey. The creation of the book was a four-year project that Renee started at the request of Barbara before her passing in 2016. This program will give a little history about Barbara Harvey and her work with the birds, the development of the book, a reading of Renee’s favorite story from the book, and a Q & A session. “Stories from the Bird Lady” will be available for review and purchase at the program – copies sell for $25 each.
Locally known as “the Bird Lady,” Barbara Harvey was a raptor rehabilitator and educator for over 30 years of her life. It all started when she was asked to care for an injured Eastern Screech Owl named Tuffy. Over the years, Barbara cared for thousands of hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles – many were returned to the wild, some were too injured to be helped, and those who were not able to be released, because of permanent injuries, were used for education programs. Barbara had federal and state permits to rehab and educate with birds of prey. She traveled almost 100,000 miles giving programs to groups large and small, all with the purpose to educate people on the benefits of these birds.
In 1985, Barbara started writing articles about her experiences with raptor rescues, rehab, and releases for the Marsh Haven Monarch newsletter. She became a prolific writer, giving a voice to the voiceless. The stories are filled with the high points of releases back into the wild, and the tearful final goodbyes that never came easy. Before Barbara passed away in 2016, she met with Marsh Haven Nature Center director, Renee Wahlen, who has a background in print media, and expressed her wish to have all these stories compiled into a book.
“Stories from the Bird Lady” It is filled with all 112 articles that Barbara wrote, color pictures, and other information on the amazing woman known as “the Bird Lady.” All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the “Barbara’s Birds” fund, which was set up to provide long-term care for the educational raptors who now reside at Marsh Haven Nature Center.