For the Birds

Now that winter is upon us, we cover up the outdoor furniture, store away the summer toys, and retreat to our cozy interiors. Our porches and decks continue to provide entertainment by becoming gathering places for beautiful birds that choose to stay north for the winter. Many Brown County homes have big windows next to outdoor play areas so we can appreciate the view. The winter bird shows you get here are sure to beat any TV rerun.

Susan Christenberry’s shop, For the Birds, can supply you with feeders and feed to attract a colorful collection of birds.

Her parents, Rose and Harry Martlage, started the business in 1977. “When my parents started it, Mrs. Weaver had the Old Ferguson House and told them they couldn’t sell bird seed. No one would buy it,” Susan said.

Mrs. Martlage ran the store by herself for many years and then shared the work with her husband when he retired from Eli Lilly. Selling birdseed proved to be a successful venture after all.

Susan and her husband Tom moved to the area after he retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They had traveled a lot, living in Washington, D.C, New York, and many other places in the world. They decided to move to a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. To Susan, home was where her parents were. So Brown County became the couple’s home.

They started building a log cabin after they moved here. When they were done with that project, Susan helped her parents in the store. In 2000 Susan and Tom took over the business allowing Susan’s parents to enjoy their retirement.

For the Birds gets a lot of repeat business. Susan has watched children grow up since being in the shop. “Several years ago a little boy named Jonah came in and told me he knew all about owls. He and his family come back about three or four times a year. It is great to see them. The stories I hear are very interesting,” said Susan.

You will find whatever you need for your bird sanctuary at For the Birds. You will even find bird books that describe the feathered friends that just can’t seem to make the long flight south, such as: Cardinals; all species of the Woodpecker; the Nuthatch; Yellow Gold Finch; and Blackcap Chickadee, just to name a few.

Most of the winter birds need what Susan calls a “roosting pocket.” She carries an inexpensive small one and a bigger wooden roosting home for more birds.

Suet is very important in the winter birds’ diet, along with sunflower seeds. Both contain the oil that is necessary to survive the cold. You can purchase the suet or make your own from the recipe at For the Birds.

“Another thing people don’t think about is water. Birds need plenty of water, we all know that, but we tend to forget that water freezes. A heated birdbath will keep the water flowing and the birds happy,” said Susan.

Along with an enormous selection of birdhouses, tree ornaments, and fancy birdbaths, you will find the right food for the right bird, baffles, Hummingbird feeders, poles, and great gift ideas for the nature lover.

Susan can also help you with other outdoor animal feeders for your back yard.

Creating an outdoor restaurant for your feathered friends and fuzzy buddies will be something you can enjoy year round. Pick up Christmas presents that will last a lifetime and carry on a hobby that not only is fun, but brings excitement and color to your outside home.

Remember, once a bird knows where the good stuff is, they always come back. Pretty smart little things, aren’t they?

For the Birds is located at 75 South Jefferson Street in Nashville’s Antique Alley and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (812) 988-6568 to find out more.

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