Monday, December 17, 2012

The Bird Tree

No time to stitch (or so it seems) so not much progress to report on my PS reindeer.

As promised, here are some photos of my Mom's Bird Tree.
The tree is about seven feet tall and quite narrow.  It has penguins, ducks, swallows, geese, hummingbirds, jays, a bat, herons, cardinals, partridges (but of course!), bird nests, pelicans, owls, toucans, peacocks, and cockatoos. 

This bird in a cage ornament is one of the oldest - I think my Mom has displayed it for over 50 years. 

Some of the bird ornaments are sheer 'flights of fancy'.

This Hallmark cardinal ornament was purchased around 1974.

You can see the tree is quite dense with birds - there are also a few gingerbread men cross stitch ornaments that I made many years ago.

Please Mr Bluebird!  In 2013 please set up house keeping the nesting box I bought.

Placed low on the tree are metal 'jingle bell birds' that the cats can bat about with impunity. 

The more fragile glass birds with interesting feather are placed high up in the tree far above the reach of curious felines. 

This ornament commemorates our gold finches which visit us each spring.

I'd like to see a pheasant, but they are an extremely rare visitor.  

Yes, there is a token Cat Ornament in the tree.

And we have a University of Oregon Duck!
Go Ducks!
Beat Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl!

12 comments:

cucki said...

aww beautiful tree and lovely ornaments..i love the cats in the basket ornie so much..
love for you x

CalamityJr said...

What a gorgeous tree! Thanks for sharing.

Margaret said...

Oh wow! K State is in the Fiesta Bowl? I haven't been paying attention. That's where I grew up -- my father is a professor there! lol!

Anyway, I love your mom's bird tree. It's just wonderful! So many ornaments. I love that there's a token cat ornie, and the Oregon Ducks ornie cracks me up! (Love your PS reindeer too!)

Giovanna said...

I love the idea of a bird tree - your mum's is gorgeous.

Ann at Beadlework. said...

What a great idea - I instantly thought of your cats and wondered how on earth you stop them from attacking the tree. In years gone by we had a few robins on our tree but one by one they were stolen and had their tail feathers stripped:-)

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I love your bird tree! I always enjoy looking at everyone's ornaments!

Wanda said...

Beth, what a gorgeous tree! Thanks for sharing. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and the best of health and happiness in 2013. Wanda

Maggee said...

NOW you've gone and done it!! Showing me that there are so many bird ornies out there! Gosh, I would LOVE to have some of those--oh heck--ALL of those! I am going to jump feet first on ebay and such sites tonite!! Thanks for sharing! Now I am in for it...Hugs!

Barb said...

Your Mom's bird tree is just lovely. It is hard to find time to stitch. I am trying to keep up my evening stitching.

Siobhán said...

Oh wow!! I loved seeing your mom's bird tree. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Pam in IL said...

Beautiful! I have a few bird ornies on my tree too.

Melanie said...

Love the photos!!!! Must be fun putting a collection like that together.