Birdsbesafe's Business' Integrity
Feb/18/2012
I began to make and sell Birdsbesafe cat collars in 2009, after having used one for my own bird-hunting terror of a cat, George. He had gone from frequent bird captures (several a week often) to 2-3 birds captured in 16 months, before he passed away in the woods, himself. Read More...
Why Birdsbesafe Helps Birds
Feb/18/2012
Yesterday, Birdsbesafe heard from a skeptic. It wasn't the first time, and no, they weren't a customer. They just had heard of what we claimed: Birdsbesafe Cat Collars can help protect birds from cats--and they were skeptical. I can understand that, so here are a few related thoughts.
Read More...Made in Vermont
Feb/03/2012
- Yesterday, Birdsbesafe LLC entered a new phase. We can call it, Made in Vermont, Part Two. We delivered some fabrics and "findings" (aka thread and things like that) to a company that does sewing contract work as a service. In a few weeks, we'll pick up an order of goods. Hurray!
Hitching A Red Carpet Ride
Jan/26/2012
Birdsbesafe is making an appearance at the Oscars!
You won't see us on the Red Carpet, exactly, but a promotional postcard about Birdsbesafe will be tucked into the gift swag to the stars and some media. How cool is that?We relish the chance to let more people know about the bird-protecting goodness of Birdsbesafe® cat collars and how they work simply, but effectively, to help birds escape capture by housecats.
Not going to be getting a gift bag at the Oscars yourself? Mmm. Me, either. But Birdsbesafe will be participating in Tiniest Tiger's Red Carpet Twitter Party on Friday evening, Feb. 24, and they will give away various prizes, including 20 Birdsbesafe® ruffs and cat collar sets.
To join that party: go to Tiniest Tiger to learn more.
We thank Tiniest Tiger, aka Gracey the cat, and wildcat conservation educator, Joanne McGonagle, for this great opportunity to spread our wings a little and help more people learn about Birdsbesafe®. Thanks!
Dreams of Pink-feathered Birds
Jan/21/2012
Last night, I had the strangest dream...
We've been picking out fabrics for spring, stocking up on collars, and sewing lots of ruffs in advance of a publicity hey-day coming soon.
Then, I had a dream with pink-feathered and crazily coiffed little birds, all singing exuberantly about their freedom from being caught by cats?
They were as silly-looking as if Disney had dressed them, but it was clear that they were happy about their safety!
Now, that's a good dream! Let's help the cats get dressed up in Birdsbesafe in reality--to keep real songbirds and cats apart! Read More...
We've been picking out fabrics for spring, stocking up on collars, and sewing lots of ruffs in advance of a publicity hey-day coming soon.
Then, I had a dream with pink-feathered and crazily coiffed little birds, all singing exuberantly about their freedom from being caught by cats?
They were as silly-looking as if Disney had dressed them, but it was clear that they were happy about their safety!
Now, that's a good dream! Let's help the cats get dressed up in Birdsbesafe in reality--to keep real songbirds and cats apart! Read More...
Endorsement by Author Elizabeth Gilbert
Jan/04/2012
On New Year's day, Birdsbesafe received this special customer endorsement. It's written with a particular literary flare. If you recognize the sparkling prose, that's because it was written by author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert, who has been a Birdsbesafe customer for 18 months or so. She nicely agreed to write a few words for us.
"What a great product this is! Not only do my cats look jazzy and Elizabethian in these collars, but their murder rates among sprees of local sparrows and robins have been cut down enormously. All very cool." - Elizabeth Gilbert Read More...
"What a great product this is! Not only do my cats look jazzy and Elizabethian in these collars, but their murder rates among sprees of local sparrows and robins have been cut down enormously. All very cool." - Elizabeth Gilbert Read More...
Happy New Year to All Cats and Birds
Jan/01/2012
Wishing all the cats and all the birds a very happy New Year... separated by a safe distance, of course!
And happy New Year to all Birdsbesafe customers and friends, world-wide.
Looking forward to results of the Australian scientific study of Birdsbesfe this year, and we'll have some surprises this week on the website. Hint: New fabrics and a new endorsement of Birdsbesafe.
Peace.
Feeling Festive with Birdsbesafe
Dec/13/2011
We want to treat our customers well as the holiday season thickens up. Here are our treats for you.
Some percentage of customers (and it's close to 100%) are now getting a free holiday ruff in their packages from Santa or his elves, stray kittens, or the Birdsbesafe LLC owner herself.
The holiday ruffs are fashionable, festive, and will warn away birds from kitty. Or amuse your holiday party guests--while you try to explain what a Birdsbesafe cat collar is for.
We are in favor of last-minute buy-American wildlife-saving customers! Remember, where else can you get something for your cat that actually saves wild birds?
Cheers,
Nancy
Some percentage of customers (and it's close to 100%) are now getting a free holiday ruff in their packages from Santa or his elves, stray kittens, or the Birdsbesafe LLC owner herself.
The holiday ruffs are fashionable, festive, and will warn away birds from kitty. Or amuse your holiday party guests--while you try to explain what a Birdsbesafe cat collar is for.
We are in favor of last-minute buy-American wildlife-saving customers! Remember, where else can you get something for your cat that actually saves wild birds?
Cheers,
Nancy
Birdsbesafe: Looking Ahead, Looking Back
Dec/10/2011
Spring of 2008: Although it isn't documented in the blog, Birdsbesafe was born as an idea that fateful day that George brought in a deceased Ruffed Grouse. (They are big birds. He had some trouble getting in the 2nd of 2 cat doors with it.) Read More...
Birdsbesafe Website Improvements
Dec/05/2011
Early December means that many of our fine feathered friends have flown south. Cats may be indoors more with the colder weather and shorter days in our North America locations. Customer numbers are fewer, so we are taking some time to improve our Birdsbesafe website. Read More...
Scientist at Work on Testing Birdsbesafe
Nov/07/2011
Big news! A scientific study is going to be conducted in the upcoming months in Australia, by a scientist at Murdoch University, which is in Western Australia. Results should be published in a scientific journal by next June 2012, and the results may be available earlier, pre-publication.
How did this come about? Mike Calver, a scientist with experience doing studies of wildlife-saving devices for cats, wrote to us recently offering to do the study in the coming months. It is, of course, late spring in Australia, so summer season will come along soon for them, for their birds, and their cats.
Read More...
How did this come about? Mike Calver, a scientist with experience doing studies of wildlife-saving devices for cats, wrote to us recently offering to do the study in the coming months. It is, of course, late spring in Australia, so summer season will come along soon for them, for their birds, and their cats.
Read More...
Birdsbesafe Helps Down Under
Sep/21/2011
Welcome to Birdsbesafe fans and friends down under. It's spring there and time to help protect birds from cats. Birdsbesafe orders have started arriving from those countries. Wonderful!
We also got a special inquiry from Western Australia's Cat Haven and its director. Would we make a wholesale shipment of Birdsbesafe cat collars available to them? They promote: "caring, rescuing, re-homing, and raising awareness for cats" in their region, where stray cats are many. Read More...
We also got a special inquiry from Western Australia's Cat Haven and its director. Would we make a wholesale shipment of Birdsbesafe cat collars available to them? They promote: "caring, rescuing, re-homing, and raising awareness for cats" in their region, where stray cats are many. Read More...
Birdsbesafe and Tropical Storm Irene
Sep/14/2011
Our Vermont hillside home was not troubled by the flooding from Irene, but the road to town has seen some very bad damage from flooding. We are proud to say two things:
Nature is great and sometimes nature puts us in our place by showing how mighty her forces can be. Our neighbor measured thirteen inches of rain on the day that Tropical Storm Irene sat over us with drenching rains. The mountains and hills that feed the brook released a lot of water to it, quickly, and the brook raged and became a flooded river, overspilling and running down our roads.
Read More...
Nature is great and sometimes nature puts us in our place by showing how mighty her forces can be. Our neighbor measured thirteen inches of rain on the day that Tropical Storm Irene sat over us with drenching rains. The mountains and hills that feed the brook released a lot of water to it, quickly, and the brook raged and became a flooded river, overspilling and running down our roads.
Read More...
New Inner Collars
Aug/10/2011
You can keep the bell on--but it doesn't warn the birds enough by itself. You can take it off and still have the Birdsbesafe cat collar be effective. Take it off if you prefer a silent kitty in your home. Read More...
Birdsbesafe is Thankful
Aug/01/2011
A year after he was "cured" of bird-hunting success, I brought Birdsbesafe to market because I felt that I had to do it--for the birds. I didn't have a lot of business experience, but I knew that Birdsbesafe had kept George from killing probably close to 50 or more birds in one year. (He got one or two, ground-nesters.)
"If not me, then who?" I thought. "If not now, when?" Read More...
Ground-nesting Birds
Jul/01/2011
Nest of Eastern Phoebe |
Our yard has a special guest this year, an Eastern Phoebe sitting on her nest about 50 ft. from the house. We're glad we have an indoor cat only. Although Birdsbesafe® cat collars are wonderful at protecting many songbirds, a ground-nesting bird is in danger of being caught by a cat because the bird does have to sit on the nest.
Our former cat George, who inspired Birdsbesafe, in fact, caught one phoebe on her nest--and it was one of the two birds that George ever caught in 1 1/2 years of his wearing Birdsbesafe.
So, if you have a ground-nesting bird, you might want to "ground" your cat and keep it indoors a while.
Birdsbesafe Receives USPTO Trademark on Name
May/10/2011
We've just receive our notice from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Oh, happy day!
Birdsbesafe® is now a trademarked word! Lovely! A nice birthday present as Birdsbesafe turns two years old this spring. Thanks to all our faithful and happy customers! Join us in protecting wild birds.
Also, thanks to our TV exposure on WCAX-TV's Made In Vermont segement, business is really blooming in 2011.
Birdsbesafe LLC is now focusing on increasing online sales (ie, saving more birds from cats) and on reaching out to wildlife rehab centers around the country. Several carry our products now, but we plan to expand the list this season.
You may like us on Facebook at the Birdsbesafe page to see more frequent newsy updates and occasional special giveaways! Thanks, everyone.
Birdsbesafe® is now a trademarked word! Lovely! A nice birthday present as Birdsbesafe turns two years old this spring. Thanks to all our faithful and happy customers! Join us in protecting wild birds.
Also, thanks to our TV exposure on WCAX-TV's Made In Vermont segement, business is really blooming in 2011.
Birdsbesafe LLC is now focusing on increasing online sales (ie, saving more birds from cats) and on reaching out to wildlife rehab centers around the country. Several carry our products now, but we plan to expand the list this season.
You may like us on Facebook at the Birdsbesafe page to see more frequent newsy updates and occasional special giveaways! Thanks, everyone.
Birdsbesafe on Television
Apr/22/2011
It felt like I stepped out from behind the sewing machine, where I usually am, and tried to talk to my customers directly. What a wonderful opportunity! If only the camera had been less intimidating.
The piece does give a good idea of the business, today, and the stage that it is in. Don't be fooled by our small home sewing studio. We expect to grow to take care of many more cats and birds in the future. Thanks to Jack at WCAX for coming out to our hillside home to learn about Birdsbesafe.
Birdsbesafe on Made in Vermont, WCAX-tv
A nice birthday present for Birdsbesafe as we celebrate the beginning of our third year in business. Bring on the cats who need collaring!
Nancy,
Birdsbesafe Owner
Spring for Birdsbesafe 2010
Apr/10/2011
Spring sputters and slows here in Vermont. The new garlic shoots are a foot tall, but it snowed last night.
The cat has been catching mice indoors (another spring sign) and my knee injury from skiing is better enough so that I can walk again without crutches. (Did I mention that being able to walk is nice?)
Spring is welcome for sure! Hope it will warm up again soon.
Back in the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar workroom, I'm sewing up the new fabrics and slimmer design for 2010. Check out the Buying Page for details.
Thanks, and happy spring. Go spring birdwatching and put a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on your cat today!
The cat has been catching mice indoors (another spring sign) and my knee injury from skiing is better enough so that I can walk again without crutches. (Did I mention that being able to walk is nice?)
Spring is welcome for sure! Hope it will warm up again soon.
Back in the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar workroom, I'm sewing up the new fabrics and slimmer design for 2010. Check out the Buying Page for details.
Thanks, and happy spring. Go spring birdwatching and put a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on your cat today!
New Year for Birdsbesafe
Jan/01/2011
As 2011 begins, we are making plans for the spring selling season. As Birdsbesafe LLC goes into its third year this spring, we hope to reach more and more cat owners with our innovative--and successful--product. The greatest joy of having brought Birdsbesafe to market is knowing that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars are now protecting birds all over the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. The greatest challenge--making the business profitable! Our hope for 2011 is wider distribution, more sales, a more viable business--and MORE BIRDS saved!
This winter, we hope that you will keep your cats away from birdfeeders. We let Emmy watch the birdfeeder from indoors--the ultimate way to keep birds safe!
But if you do let your cat outdoors, remember to use birdfeeders only if you can keep your cat away from any ground-feeding birds. Or use the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar to warn the birds of your cat's presence.
We would love to hear from you in the new year! Best wishes to all wildbirds and cats for a happy safe 2011!
Oh yes, please look for our new Facebook Fan Page soon. We'll link to it from our home page!
cheers
Nancy
Happy Holidays from BIrdsbesafe
Dec/10/2010
Cotton fabric is a rich red and nice greens. It has a little sparkle! |
Happy Holiday Season to all of you--and your cat and bird friends.
I hope you'll have a lovely winter celebrating season, and remember to give Birdsbesafe Cat Collars as holiday gifts!
I have one special holiday fabric. If you would like to order a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar in this nice red and green fabric, please do. Here's how: order as if you are ordering any other fabric, and then send me an additional email asking for the holiday fabric instead.
I'm sorry for the extra step, but my satellite dish's modem chose now to quit working, and... I'll spare you the rest. I should have the option online by early next week in the usual way.
Thanks for stopping by at Birdsbesafe!
A Letter from A Fan
Oct/10/2010
Hello,
This email came today, and I thought I would share it with you.
"Dear Nancy,
I was getting so desperate about the number of birds my cat was killing. She was bringing in at least one forlorn, broken bird a day and I was beginning to hate and resent her -it felt like I was luring the birds to their deaths by putting feeders in the garden.
I wanted to believe that something as simple and cheap as your big red ruff was going to be my solution ....but was very sceptical about it - it seemed too easy.
But since it has arrived - and she doesn't mind a bit about wearing the thing - she has brought in just one bird (four rats, actually, but this ruff is not designed for rodent safety I know)
It has been fantastically effective, Nancy. It has entertained the neighbours as well!
For the sake of British birds, I wish more people knew about it here.
(signature)"
Spread the word and save the birds! Look for two new fabric choices beginning today!
Nancy
This email came today, and I thought I would share it with you.
"Dear Nancy,
I was getting so desperate about the number of birds my cat was killing. She was bringing in at least one forlorn, broken bird a day and I was beginning to hate and resent her -it felt like I was luring the birds to their deaths by putting feeders in the garden.
I wanted to believe that something as simple and cheap as your big red ruff was going to be my solution ....but was very sceptical about it - it seemed too easy.
But since it has arrived - and she doesn't mind a bit about wearing the thing - she has brought in just one bird (four rats, actually, but this ruff is not designed for rodent safety I know)
It has been fantastically effective, Nancy. It has entertained the neighbours as well!
For the sake of British birds, I wish more people knew about it here.
(signature)"
Spread the word and save the birds! Look for two new fabric choices beginning today!
Nancy
Birdsbesafe in Audubon Shops
Sep/10/2010
It's starting to look like autumn in Vermont, with leaves turning colors and birds heading south.
We're excited that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars are now available at the following Audubon centers at their shops:
New Hampshire Audubon in Concord NH; Mass Audubon at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln MA; and John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in PA.
If you're visiting a nature center near you, ask for Birdsbesafe and let the staff know that you would like to see our wildlife-saving collars in their shop. They can reach us via our web site. Thanks!
Enjoy your fall, everyone! And thanks for keeping Birds Safe.
We're excited that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars are now available at the following Audubon centers at their shops:
New Hampshire Audubon in Concord NH; Mass Audubon at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln MA; and John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in PA.
If you're visiting a nature center near you, ask for Birdsbesafe and let the staff know that you would like to see our wildlife-saving collars in their shop. They can reach us via our web site. Thanks!
Enjoy your fall, everyone! And thanks for keeping Birds Safe.
Endorsement from WIldlife Rehab Center
Aug/20/2010
An endorsement of Birdsbesafe is online at Pacific Wildlife Care Center, in Morro Bay California, where one wildlife rehabilitation staffer had tried the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on her own cat--with great success. Her cat gave up hunting birds, and seemed to retire from hunting altogether. (By the way, her cat was a rescued stray used to hunting a lot.)
The center is offering the collars for sale, hoping to attract buyers who bring in birds harmed by housecats. Here's the link to pacificwildlifecare.org, where an article is on the front page about Birdsbesafe. Click on the photo of the sleepy cat wearing a birdsbesafe cat collar on the right of their homepage.
Thanks to Kathy and Pacific Wildlife Care!
The center is offering the collars for sale, hoping to attract buyers who bring in birds harmed by housecats. Here's the link to pacificwildlifecare.org, where an article is on the front page about Birdsbesafe. Click on the photo of the sleepy cat wearing a birdsbesafe cat collar on the right of their homepage.
Thanks to Kathy and Pacific Wildlife Care!
A Cat, An Owner, A Birdsbesafe YouTube Video
Aug/16/2010
Jorgina for Birdsbesafe on YouTube
Yesterday we visited with Tom in Vermont to meet Jorgina, his cat who has worn the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar about 15 months now. Jorgina agreed to a short time on camera, while Tom answered my questions.
He pointed out that she, a former avid bird hunter who used to get more than one bird a day often, now is much less successful with bird-hunting. If she gets one a month, Tom is surprised. He called Birdsbesafe 90% effective. Jorgina is fast, as she demonstrated when she had had enough of the interview and took off for the tall grass and some rodent-hunting.
Please enjoy the Jorgina Interview on YouTube and forgive our amateur filming skills!
It was a great pleasure to meet Tom and Jorgina both!
Yesterday we visited with Tom in Vermont to meet Jorgina, his cat who has worn the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar about 15 months now. Jorgina agreed to a short time on camera, while Tom answered my questions.
He pointed out that she, a former avid bird hunter who used to get more than one bird a day often, now is much less successful with bird-hunting. If she gets one a month, Tom is surprised. He called Birdsbesafe 90% effective. Jorgina is fast, as she demonstrated when she had had enough of the interview and took off for the tall grass and some rodent-hunting.
Please enjoy the Jorgina Interview on YouTube and forgive our amateur filming skills!
It was a great pleasure to meet Tom and Jorgina both!
Birdsbesafe 2010 Survey
Aug/10/2010
We recently conducted a customer satisfaction survey: we sent out an email to our online customers from the summer and asked how Birdsbesafe cat collars worked out for them.
We got a very positive response, with more than 25% of people responding. (In surveys, that's a great percentage for response rate.)
Read More...
Annual Fledgling Warning
Jul/10/2010
Birdsbesafe Cat Collars protect your local songbirds from hunting by your housecat in most situations, but one of the situations that the bright collars don't overcome is when young birds leave the nests. Many songbirds leave the nest before they can actually fly. These birds, the fledglings, spend a few days or so on the ground, trying out flying and learning to fly. At first, they are not yet really able to fly and if your cat tries to capture them then, your cat is likely to succeed. Birdsbesafe cat collars work by warning a bird to fly away -- which a fledgling may not be able to do.
So, if you want to go the extra mile to protect birds in your yard and environs, please ask your local birder friends or Audubon types, when songbirds fledge from their nests. It is usually a several week period, and after you know when it is, maybe you can keep your cat indoors for that time or at least severely limit their outdoor hunting time. Try a harness to walk the cat? Later, you can rely on Birdsbesafe Cat Collars again to protect the birds.
Thanks, everyone.
Nancy at Birdsbesafe
So, if you want to go the extra mile to protect birds in your yard and environs, please ask your local birder friends or Audubon types, when songbirds fledge from their nests. It is usually a several week period, and after you know when it is, maybe you can keep your cat indoors for that time or at least severely limit their outdoor hunting time. Try a harness to walk the cat? Later, you can rely on Birdsbesafe Cat Collars again to protect the birds.
Thanks, everyone.
Nancy at Birdsbesafe
Birdsbesafe Update in Newspaper
Jun/15/2010
Stowe Today/Stowe Reporter article on Birdsbesafe Cat Collar
Here's a recent article from the Stowe Reporter about Birdsbesafe Cat Collar. (The Stowe [VT] Reporter is a weekly newspaper and Stowe Today is its web site's name.)
Thank you to them for the nice update on our business. Enjoy it.
Here's a recent article from the Stowe Reporter about Birdsbesafe Cat Collar. (The Stowe [VT] Reporter is a weekly newspaper and Stowe Today is its web site's name.)
Thank you to them for the nice update on our business. Enjoy it.
Another Fan Letter for Birdsbesafe
May/10/2010
Hello,
Spring is here if you look at the leaves on our trees (out early), but there's a cold wind and a fire in the woodstove. And yet, newly returned warblers are showing up.
This morning, along with some nice bird song, I got a very complimentary email from a recent customer.
"Marvellous--a stroke of ingenuity. I would suggest getting the cat used to an ordinary collar first and then switching to the birdsbesafe one. So glad I found the website. I was really upset to see birds being hunted. These collars really do work. SAVE WILDLIFE--make these collars a legal requirement for out door cats."
That made my day! I have asked all recent online customers for feedback, and it looks like next, I will go to the Vermont legislature and see if I can get a law passed here!
I do love the endorsement and thanks, JB, for sharing your enthusiasm. I'm not much of a natural sales-person, myself, but "these collars really do work" is the truth--otherwise I wouldn't have gone into business.
It's all about saving the birds, folks. Spread the word to your friends any way you can!
Spring is here if you look at the leaves on our trees (out early), but there's a cold wind and a fire in the woodstove. And yet, newly returned warblers are showing up.
This morning, along with some nice bird song, I got a very complimentary email from a recent customer.
"Marvellous--a stroke of ingenuity. I would suggest getting the cat used to an ordinary collar first and then switching to the birdsbesafe one. So glad I found the website. I was really upset to see birds being hunted. These collars really do work. SAVE WILDLIFE--make these collars a legal requirement for out door cats."
That made my day! I have asked all recent online customers for feedback, and it looks like next, I will go to the Vermont legislature and see if I can get a law passed here!
I do love the endorsement and thanks, JB, for sharing your enthusiasm. I'm not much of a natural sales-person, myself, but "these collars really do work" is the truth--otherwise I wouldn't have gone into business.
It's all about saving the birds, folks. Spread the word to your friends any way you can!
Birdsbesafe Readies for Spring
Mar/18/2010
Hello cat lovers and bird lovers,
It's almost spring and it's even warm here in Vermont where the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar sewing studio is getting busier by the minute. We're looking forward to saving a lot of birds this year!
Here's a photo of sleepy Emmy, showing off the new width of the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar. They are narrower than last year's, and this will help two ways: 1) I think they are cuter and less clown-like so your cat can have more pride wearing it. And 2) I hope that the narrower width will be more comfortable for the cats. My cats never fussed at all with the original, but some cats lose their collars --probably by design, the little rascals--so maybe the narrower width will be considered more comfortable by those Houdini cats.
Really, the only "complaint" Birdsbesafe LLC ever hears is: my cat lost the collar. The Birdsbesafe Cat Collars really work to limit or eliminate bird hunting success, but sometimes the collars come off. I hope you will buy two collars for your cat if you need to. A breakaway cat collar has to come apart to be safe. We use the best buckle on the market, and we hope that you will fit it snugly but comfortably to your cat. Give it a try and we think you'll be glad for the birds that you save.
Nancy
End of 2009, Thoughts from Birdsbesafe
Dec/26/2009
As the year winds to a close, it's winter in Vermont where I live and the birds I see are mostly those that come to my feeder. I just made a poster for my Birdsbesafe office of many of my spring and summer birdv visitors.
I want to keep in mind all the songbirds and all the housecats. Birdsbesafe will end 2009 with high hopes for 2010. I've personally really enjoyed becoming a small business owner. Plus I know a lot more than when I started about how to run my business.
Most importantly, as I go forward, I want to always keep in mind that my mission is clear: help significantly reduce cat predation on songbirds, world-wide. I am strategizing for 2010 and I've got some neat plans developing.
I would love to hear more from customers who have tried Birdsbesafe Cat Collars, and I look forward to many more customers in the next year. It's a great product. Now that it's been better tested, I'm sure it will be easier for people to understand that it really does work.
Sometimes simple, elegant solutions are the best. I hope that Birdsbesafe will reach you, your cat and your birds... so that the hardships songbirds near you face are not from your cat.
Peace,
Nancy
I want to keep in mind all the songbirds and all the housecats. Birdsbesafe will end 2009 with high hopes for 2010. I've personally really enjoyed becoming a small business owner. Plus I know a lot more than when I started about how to run my business.
Most importantly, as I go forward, I want to always keep in mind that my mission is clear: help significantly reduce cat predation on songbirds, world-wide. I am strategizing for 2010 and I've got some neat plans developing.
I would love to hear more from customers who have tried Birdsbesafe Cat Collars, and I look forward to many more customers in the next year. It's a great product. Now that it's been better tested, I'm sure it will be easier for people to understand that it really does work.
Sometimes simple, elegant solutions are the best. I hope that Birdsbesafe will reach you, your cat and your birds... so that the hardships songbirds near you face are not from your cat.
Peace,
Nancy
Birdsbesafe and Cat Fancy
Dec/10/2009
Birdsbesafe has its first paid advertising! We have an ad in the issue of Cat Fancy that is currently hitting newstands. It's just a small classified ad, but it's a start. There is also a version of it online at their affiliated Cat Channel. Cat Channel-Birdsbesafe Ad
Check out Cat Fancy and Cat Channel, and tell them that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars is important to you.
Now, if you're in that Christmas spirit, you may want to buy a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar for your cat just to dress them up for the holidays. There are some nice new prints (including my new favorite, which has birds on it) and an organic red cotton collar that is beautiful with its slight sheen.
And--if you have a dog, you can buy two Birdsbesafe Cat Collars and string together the fabric portions over a dog's collar for a festive look. My standard poodle got this treatment for the family holiday photo! Cute!
Even though Birdsbesafe Cat Collar Blog has been caught cat-napping recently, we are still here and working towards wider distribution next spring and summer. Do feel free to write and tell us about your Birdsbesafe Cat Collar experiences. I would love to show some more photos of your cats.
And happy holidays. Support a small business when you can! Remember, if you're feeding birds this winter, please keep them safe! Put a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on your cat and tell your neighbors about us.
Check out Cat Fancy and Cat Channel, and tell them that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars is important to you.
Now, if you're in that Christmas spirit, you may want to buy a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar for your cat just to dress them up for the holidays. There are some nice new prints (including my new favorite, which has birds on it) and an organic red cotton collar that is beautiful with its slight sheen.
And--if you have a dog, you can buy two Birdsbesafe Cat Collars and string together the fabric portions over a dog's collar for a festive look. My standard poodle got this treatment for the family holiday photo! Cute!
Even though Birdsbesafe Cat Collar Blog has been caught cat-napping recently, we are still here and working towards wider distribution next spring and summer. Do feel free to write and tell us about your Birdsbesafe Cat Collar experiences. I would love to show some more photos of your cats.
And happy holidays. Support a small business when you can! Remember, if you're feeding birds this winter, please keep them safe! Put a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on your cat and tell your neighbors about us.
Feral Cat Problem and Birdsbesafe
Oct/29/2009
Ted Williams wrote in his Incite column in Sept./Oct. 2009 in Audubon magazine about the problem of feral cats preying on wild birds. Feral cats are not very common where we live in Vermont probably because the cats would have too many predators that could prey on them in this mostly rural, woodland state. So, I admit, I'm no expert on the feral cat problem, but clearly any feral cat populations will add to the already significant problem of cats preying on wild birds.
Some programs advocate "spay, neuter, release" as the way to cope with feral cats. Could it be "spay, neuter, add a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar, release"? Adding a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar would lessen the number of birds killed, but would it just increase the number of small animals killed by cats instead? Who would then advocate for the rodents? Birdsbesafe Cat Collar won't protect rodents, because it is based on the songbirds ability to see bright colors. Rodents, like your house mice, can still be hunted.
I admit I really don't know what should be done about feral cats. I will try to learn more.
Meanwhile, back at Birdsbesafe LLC, we've made updates to our Web site in advance of trying to make a push in publicity and marketing.
And we have added a YouTube video of George and his Birdsbesafe Cat Collar to our Web site. You can see it here: Birdsbesafe on YouTube. There are no birds in the video. I did see George stalking birds a few times, while wearing his Birdsbesafe Cat Collar--each time he tried to stealthily approach a robin on the lawn, the robin flew off before George was closer than about 10 ft. away. That's the great thing about Birdsbesafe--it simply gives the bird a warning that the cat is there and the bird knows how to respond--fly away!
Some programs advocate "spay, neuter, release" as the way to cope with feral cats. Could it be "spay, neuter, add a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar, release"? Adding a Birdsbesafe Cat Collar would lessen the number of birds killed, but would it just increase the number of small animals killed by cats instead? Who would then advocate for the rodents? Birdsbesafe Cat Collar won't protect rodents, because it is based on the songbirds ability to see bright colors. Rodents, like your house mice, can still be hunted.
I admit I really don't know what should be done about feral cats. I will try to learn more.
Meanwhile, back at Birdsbesafe LLC, we've made updates to our Web site in advance of trying to make a push in publicity and marketing.
And we have added a YouTube video of George and his Birdsbesafe Cat Collar to our Web site. You can see it here: Birdsbesafe on YouTube. There are no birds in the video. I did see George stalking birds a few times, while wearing his Birdsbesafe Cat Collar--each time he tried to stealthily approach a robin on the lawn, the robin flew off before George was closer than about 10 ft. away. That's the great thing about Birdsbesafe--it simply gives the bird a warning that the cat is there and the bird knows how to respond--fly away!
Fall and Birdsbesafe at Home
Oct/12/2009
Another important way to keep birds safe, especially in times of heavy migration, like fall in Vermont, is to use an ultraviolet "sticker" on your windows. We live in the woods where bird collisions with windows are likely, so last spring we got some Window Alert decals for the windows.
They're barely visible to humans, but use birds' eye anatomy to advantage--and being super-visible to the birds, help the birds navigate the woods without flying into picture windows. We highly recommend them!
The decals are pretty, too--snowflakes, butterfly shapes--and nearly invisible, so you won't mind them at all! Tell the Window Alert people that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars sent you!
And keep a bright Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on those outdoor cats!
Also, by the way, see this blog from Dot Earth at the New York Times for a mention of cats versus birds: Revkin Dot Earth Blog
Happy Birdwatching!
They're barely visible to humans, but use birds' eye anatomy to advantage--and being super-visible to the birds, help the birds navigate the woods without flying into picture windows. We highly recommend them!
The decals are pretty, too--snowflakes, butterfly shapes--and nearly invisible, so you won't mind them at all! Tell the Window Alert people that Birdsbesafe Cat Collars sent you!
And keep a bright Birdsbesafe Cat Collar on those outdoor cats!
Also, by the way, see this blog from Dot Earth at the New York Times for a mention of cats versus birds: Revkin Dot Earth Blog
Happy Birdwatching!
Bird Feeders and Birdsbesafe
Oct/10/2009
He lives in Vermont where he has a wonderful fenced-off backyard area with several bird feeders.
Now that he wears the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar, he can no longer capture the birds, according to his owner, who has put the collar on him when he goes outside for the last several months. That's terrific! Paco still gets fresh air and exercise, but the birds fly off before he can capture them.
Here are few thoughts on feeding birds near your home, if you have a cat:
Remember that some bird seed will likely fall on the ground from the feeder, leading birds to feed on the ground at least sometimes. Cats can be VERY patient and opportunistic, waiting for birds to land.
It might be best if UNDER your birdfeeder, you have a second platform that can catch most of the seeds, keeping the birds from the habit of ground-feeding at all.
This advice presumes that you are not using the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar. Why wouldn't you be using the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar, though, if you are feeding birds in your yard? It's simple and no harm to the cat!
Take care of your birdfeeders the best you can, and then go the extra step to take care of the birds by making your cat super-visible with Birdsbesafe. It really works!
If you can't or won't keep your cat indoors, please protect the birds! Thanks!
Cat Predation on BIrds in New York Times
Sep/29/2009
Natalie Angier wrote an article in the NY Times Science section today about cat predation on birds.
She's a wonderful journalist and puts a lot of great information in this article.
I totally agree that the impact of outdoor cats hunting behavior is too great. And, I do think that if every cat owner really understood the cumulative impact of cats on wildlife, they would all keep their cats indoors.
But... having said that, some cats are going to be let outdoors, anyway, and those cats should wear the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar!
Natalie Angier on cat predation on birds
Luna the Golden Doodle for Birdsbesafe
Sep/26/2009
Luna didn't think her bird-hunting was a problem. She would run fast and catch the birds in her yard, mid-flight, and bring them down. Birdsbesafe business got a plea from Luna's owner--could we make a Birdsbesafe Dog Collar?
Well, yes we could--not knowing if it would really work out.
We're very happy to report that we met Luna and her owner yesterday. Luna has caught NO birds at all while wearing the Birdsbesafe "dog" collar.
Apparently the bright red color is enough to warn the birds to fly away in time. Luna still runs to catch them, but she can't make it in time! (The birds are often at a feeder in the yard.)
So Luna's owner is very pleased that the birds are safe--and Luna can still run for tennis balls any time!
Luna's household also has a former bird-hunting cat, Paco, who has been wearing the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar outdoors for 2 months as well. No more birds caught by Paco! Double success!
Welcome to Emmy Lou, our new cat
Aug/25/2009
She spent more than two months in their kind care and is now very glad to be living in a nice home with us! She's a two-year old tiger kitty.
Here, she's wearing the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar (Red Sun pattern), but she's an indoor cat for now--and maybe for a long time.
She's just wearing the Birdsbesafe to look pretty!
Emmy is still becoming adjusted to her new house, complete with its resident poodle, but she's enjoying sleeping in the sun, near a window, and getting some play time. Welcome home, Emmy.
Saving Birds from Cats
Aug/05/2009
Birdsbesafe recently visited the Vermont Institute for Natural Sciences (VINS) at Quechee VT. A great place to visit. They do wildlife rehabilitation, focusing on birds and birds of prey. It's a center that is open to the public for education purposes.
After a tour of the stunning raptors that they exhibit (birds that were injured in the wild and are unable now to live in the wild), we looked at the rehab center. A poster indicated that 14% of the injured birds that come to VINS are injured in cat attacks.
That’s too many! Let’s all try to get Birdsbesafe Cat Collar to be the new standard for cat owners who let their cats roam outdoors.
Read More...
After a tour of the stunning raptors that they exhibit (birds that were injured in the wild and are unable now to live in the wild), we looked at the rehab center. A poster indicated that 14% of the injured birds that come to VINS are injured in cat attacks.
That’s too many! Let’s all try to get Birdsbesafe Cat Collar to be the new standard for cat owners who let their cats roam outdoors.
Read More...
George Not Catching Birds
Jun/17/2009
It’s mid-June and about to officially be summer. The songbirds are nesting and in the evening, at my house, we stroll the roads in the evening to hear the wood thrushes and veerys in choral splendor.
George, our cat, has had no luck hunting since his one capture in the garden (a phoebe on a nest, which he stalked for days).
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George, our cat, has had no luck hunting since his one capture in the garden (a phoebe on a nest, which he stalked for days).
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Birdsbesafe about to Stroll
Jun/02/2009
We’re planning our stroll to Brattleboro and the Green Expo at the Strolling of the Heifers Saturday June 6. www.strollingoftheheifers.com We're really excited to meet folks and spread the word. Read More...
Burlington Free Press
May/27/2009
Today there’s a story in the Burlington (VT) Free Press about Birdsbesafe Cat Collar and our exhibit at the International Migratory Bird Day. Thank you to Lynn Monty for the story.
See the link at: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090527/NEWS02/90526036/1007/HOMETOWN++One+woman+s+fight+to+protect+wild+birds
Read More...
See the link at: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090527/NEWS02/90526036/1007/HOMETOWN++One+woman+s+fight+to+protect+wild+birds
Read More...
Strolling of the Heifers June 6
May/22/2009
Birdsbesafe will exhibit at the Green Expo at the Strolling of the Heifers www.strollingoftheheifers.com in Brattleboro on June 6. The fun event, which involves walking the heifers through town in a parade (and whimsically modled after the running of the bulls), has evolved to be very very popular. There will be a Green Expo afterwards, and that’s where Birdsbesafe will exhibit. Look for us!
Birdsbesafe in the News
May/20/2009
Birdsbesafe received its first press last week. George, our cat, got his picture in the paper, too!
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Spring Birds Meet Birdsbesafe
May/07/2009
Spring has really sprung here in Vermont. I’ve been birdwatching and seen some of my favorite warblers right in my yard. The Blackburnian warbler is a favorite! Always a thrill.
Although the warblers aren’t usually targets for hunting cats because they are most often high up in trees, the more ground-dwelling birds can be easier prey. Try to keep your cat indoors during the dawn hunting hours if you can. And of course, best of all, would be to use the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar.
Read More...
Although the warblers aren’t usually targets for hunting cats because they are most often high up in trees, the more ground-dwelling birds can be easier prey. Try to keep your cat indoors during the dawn hunting hours if you can. And of course, best of all, would be to use the Birdsbesafe Cat Collar.
Read More...
International Migratory Bird Day 5-16
May/05/2009
Birdsbesafe Cat Collar will be displaying at the International Migratory Bird Day celebration in Huntington Vermont on May 16th. See Birds of Vermont Museum or Vermont Audubon for more details on the day’s events. www.vt.audubon.org and www.birdsofvermont.org
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Robins for Birdsbesafe
Apr/16/2009
The robins have been back for weeks now, the maple trees sap run must surely be near an end, and I have only one patch of snow left in my Vermont yard. Phew. Soon it will be time to watch for warblers!
Birdsbesafe Cat Collar biz is doing well. Read More...
Birdsbesafe Cat Collar biz is doing well. Read More...
