It’s All About the Birds! Angel Wings Parrot Rescue

January 22, 2012 by

We are a Treasure and Space Coast based Parrot Rescue located in Sebastian Florida, we have been rescuing birds for 11 years and I have fostered for two other parrot rescues.

Due to the volume of requests to take unwanted or unable to keep parrots in my area, I chose to open my own not for profit rescue. We also have a parrot store on eBay as well as an e- commerce store. The store sells parrot related items and food, not birds.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find the correct forever home for our feathered friends. All donations and re-homing fees are for the transportation, vet bills, and care of the parrots. Here we are all about the birds.

If you have a parrot you are unable to care for any longer, or are interested in adopting a feathered friend, or just wish to foster a bird, please contact us…below is a link to our stores, feel free to check it out and look at our feedback.

If you have a unwanted bird contact Kerry Lewis or Cindy Nichols.

Contact:
Cindy Nichols
Manager Kerry Lewis
9969 Sebastian River Dr
Micco, Florida 32769
772-646-0655

Filed Under: Letter to the Editor, Local People, Pets/Animals Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Hibiscus Festival Celebrates 41st Anniversary of Earth Day

March 28, 2011 by

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to Mark Earth Day and Hibiscus Festival
With Free Open House at Downtown Vero Beach Office

The general public is invited to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s office in downtown Vero Beach on Saturday, April 16 for a free “open house” from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. to mark the 41st anniversary of Earth Day in conjunction with Hibiscus Festival activities.

The free open house will include kids’ activities, wildlife displays, presentations by local biologists and an exhibit of illegal wildlife products seized by law enforcement officials. “Earth Day is actually April 22, but we wanted to host this event on a date we could share with our friends on the Treasure Coast, who will already be celebrating at the Hibiscus Festival. This is an opportunity to enjoy the festival, then meet our biologists and learn about endangered species, habitat conservation programs, Everglades restoration and more,” said Ken Warren, open house co-coordinator. “This will be an educational activity for the entire family.”

The office, which also have a booth at the festival, is at 1339 20th Street across from the Post Office. The Service has operated a station in Indian River County since 1954, when it was known as the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. For more information, contact Ken Warren at ken_warren@fws.gov. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The annual Earth Day is a national event designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, the first Earth Day was held as a symposium April 22, 1970 and has been celebrated on that date ever since.

Filed Under: Community Events, Environment, Featured, Florida, Pets/Animals, Things to do Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Westcott House: A St. Augustine Superlative Southern Style Getaway

February 27, 2011 by

“The world is a book and those who so not travel read only a page.” –Saint Augustine

When it comes to travel, St. Augustine, Florida is simply a superlative southern style getaway. St. Augustine, Florida is located on the Northeastern Coast of Florida just a short 30 mile drive from Jacksonville, Florida and a hop skip and a jump away from Daytona for all you NASCAR fans and lighthouse lovers.

St Augustine is the ideal getaway for a romantic weekend because it is immersed in rich American history. St. Augustine is known for having a wonderful collection of Bed and Breakfast Inns and there is a cozy little Bed & Breakfast on the Matanzas Bay named the Westcott House, located at 146 Avenida Menedez. This quant 16 room B&B was originally the home of Dr. John Westcott, a prominent doctor in St. Augustine in 1880`s. The rooms are decorated with an old Victorian style feel and are furnished with American and European antiques.

Once we arrived, we walked into the main house and felt very welcome. The Inn has a warm and elegant feel but at the same time very comfortable and non-intimidating with the smell of the antiqued oak floor accompanied by the smell of fresh baked cookies out for everyone to enjoy.

The owners of the Westcott House, Andrew and Joy Warren were very elegant themselves yet very down to earth and very inviting. After our meeting, we were led up the winding staircase to our room and were amazed with the beautiful view of the Matanzas Bay from our private balcony that also had a private entrance from the deck. This was perfect for coming in late from a romantic dinner at the wonderful restaurant Rhett`s Piano Bar which Joy recommended. Rhett`s Piano Bar is located at 66 Hypolita Street.

Once we were settled into our lovely room, our day began with a trip to the Castillo de san Marcos, the Alligator Farm, the lighthouse that overlooks the bay and some yummy treats from touring Whetstone Chocolates. The chocolate coconut fudge is to die for.

We started our night by attending the 5:30 p.m. social hour at the Westcott House. The staff served an assortment of wine, champagne, and beer accompanied with a delicious array of Hors `devoures. The goat cheese and cranberry spread was a perfect start to our romantic evening that just got better as the night passed.

After the social hour, we retreated to the Jacuzzi in our room and enjoyed a nice soak in the tub and a glass of wine on the balcony while watching the sunlight fade into the distance and the old city`s streetlights flickering on like fireflies shimmering in the dusk. We then set out to the restaurant that Joy recommended. We had a lovely dinner and then took a horse and carriage ride around the enchanted city.

St. Augustine is a lovely quant romantic city with a sort of mysteriousness combined with abundant history that continuously draws you in. The click-clack of the horse`s hooves echoed throughout the peaceful cobblestone streets. We were delivered to our doorstep and could not wait to get back into our lovely room. The best was yet to come ”

As we settled into our room and slivered into the soft silky sheets that smelled of lavender and rose, we both said aloud, This is the most comfortable bed we have ever been in. ” As we woke in the morning to the sounds of birds chirping outside our window we retreated to our balcony to watch the sunrise on the bay with dolphins swimming and splashing in the sunlight. The Bay looked like a carpet of diamonds shimming in the sun.

Our breakfast was served by the friendly staff and owners. The eggs Benedict were delightful with a slight hint of lemon along with bagels and cream cheese and some fresh fruit on the side. To top it off the fresh squeezed orange juice complimented the champagne which created delicious mimosas.

The last morning was so peaceful and wonderful that we didn`t want to leave.

The Westcott House truly made us feel as if we were living in a fairy tale. This is one Inn that we highly recommend and will definitely be on our list of 10 best places to visit in Florida. It was truly a romantic weekend to remember.

By Jerry and Jenae Scarborough

For more information on the Westcott House: http://www.westcotthouse.com/
See More:

Judyth Piazza chats with Andrew Warren, The Westcott House Bed and … (Click here to listen to interview)The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880, will take you back in time to the Victorian Age. It is one of the few inns located …

Filed Under: Entertainment, Florida, Lifestyle, Local People, Pets/Animals, Restaurants, Things to do, Travel Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A One-Woman Show Starring Jennifer Patty “Doin’ The Divas”

February 27, 2011 by

Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 7:00 PM at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild

Jennifer Patty will be performing a one-woman show, “Doin’ The Divas,” a celebration of the sultry and sassy women of Broadway, jazz and R&B in her first full cabaret performance locally in l2 years. She is well known in the community as being the former Director of Theatre and Administrator of the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts at Saint Edward’s School for the past 10 years. Her performance will be held at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Avenue in Vero Beach on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. Experience this rare performance, while helping to make a difference in the lives of seniors. All monies raised will benefit By the River, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization and Indian River County’s new, affordable independent residential community for seniors of limited financial means.

Whether it’s Ethel, Judy, Liza, Barbra, Patti, Ella, Billie, or Aretha, Jennifer Patty will step onto the stage to honor the female vocalists who have molded so many lives through their music. From show-stopping, toe-tapping musical numbers, to sultry, heartfelt blues, to poignant and touching jazz standards, Jennifer salutes the women who paved the way. Spiced with humorous tales about these 20th century songbirds, this engaging evening promises to thrill and entertain. Surprise performances by area youth and seniors from By the River are also being planned.

“People in Vero Beach have wanted to see Jennifer perform for many years,” said Joe Coakley, director of charitable gifts at By the River. “I am pleased to say she is finally doing that and we couldn’t be luckier to have her. It will be a real treat. She is phenomenal.”

The cost is $30. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call By the River at 772-388-5858.

Filed Under: Art, Community Events, Community Voices, Entertainment, Florida, Local People, Pets/Animals, Things to do Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sebastian Inlet State Park Plagued With Thousands of Dead Fish

February 8, 2011 by

SEBASTIAN, FL – “Thousands of dead fish were found washed up on the shore of a Florida state park.

The animals were found along the beach of Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach, FL, on Friday.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials believe the fish died because of the lack of oxygen.

‘Just because there’s such a large school of them, they use up the oxygen really quickly, and because they are coming closer to shore, there’s not as high of a water turnover rate and sometimes when you’re in an area with not as much tidal flow,” said Kelli O’Donnell, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.’” Read More

Photo by Steve Johnson, Vero Beach, Florida

The New Year started on an ominous note, with hundreds of dead birds falling on the town of Beebe, Arkansas. This oddity was immediately followed by thousands of dead fish found in the Arkansas River, and in the weeks and months since there have been reports of mass death of fish, birds, crabs, and other animals all over the world.

In recent weeks the amazing events in Yemen, and Egypt have grabbed the headlines, but the phenomenon of mass death of animals continues unabated.

Photo by Steve Johnson, Vero Beach, Florida

It’s now the turn of the good folks in Melbourne Beach, FL to wonder what the heck is going on. Officials say that some fish are prone to die from lack of oxygen when they swim close to the shore in large numbers. Sorry, for the pun, but that explanation sounds fishy to me.

Cougar Cameron Diaz feeding Alex Rodriguez popcorn, Joan Rivers appearing in a commercial in leather hot pants and a low-cut top, American Idol without Simon Cowell, dead fish in the rivers, and dead birds dropping from the sky.

These are the Biblical signs of the End Times! I have my trusty bong, let the end times roll!

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

Filed Under: Environment, Featured, Florida, Local People, Pets/Animals, Science Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Urge our State Leaders to Support Funding for Florida Forever

April 3, 2010 by

Florida Forever has helped our state safeguard irreplaceable habitat for nearly 200 rare and imperiled species — from Florida panthers and bears to sea turtles and manatees. But last year, for the first time in more than 20 years, the legislature slashed funding for this landmark conservation program — and there’s a real chance that it could happen again in 2010.
Defenders and our allies are organizing a citizen lobby day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 7th to urge our state leaders to support funding for Florida Forever – and we need your help to make an impact!

RSVP now to let us know that you’ll be joining us at the Capitol to defend Florida Forever and the amazing wildlife it helps to protect.  Be sure to check in with us at the Defenders table when you arrive!

What: Citizen Lobby Day to Defend Florida Forever at the Capitol!

When: Wednesday, April 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Florida State Capitol – Waller Park (near the dolphin fountain)
400 South Monroe Street – Tallahassee, FL 32399

Since 2001, the Florida Forever Act has allowed our state to:

protect more than 2.4 million acres of ecologically-sensitive lands for future generations – including irreplaceable habitat for endangered animals
safeguard and restore our water resources, coastlines and beaches,
provide more parks and outdoor recreation areas for our communities, and
preserve some of Florida’s most important cultural and historical sites. 

Leaving the Florida Forever program in limbo for another year could jeopardize our wildlife heritage — especially when good business sense tells us that the state is in a position to acquire exceptional lands at affordable prices.

Help us build your legislators’ support to keep it going by joining us at this historic event at the Capitol on Wednesday.
This year’s legislative session is already underway, so we need to step up our efforts to let our state leaders know how many of their constituents support this invaluable program and care about conserving Florida’s wildlife and wild lands.

I hope you can join us in Tallahassee on Wednesday to urge your legislators to give Florida Forever the support it needs to continue protecting our most imperiled animals — from panthers and bears, to scrub jays and gopher tortoises.
 
RSVP now to let us know we can count on you to attend – and don’t forget to check in with us at the Defenders of Wildlife table when you arrive at the Capitol! http://action.defenders.org/site/R?i=NzDOZ0rx6C2mEk1WcWC0MQ.. 

See you there!

Laurie Macdonald
Florida Program Director
Defenders of Wildlife

Filed Under: Activism, Pets/Animals Tagged With: , , , , ,

FDA warns that Dog Treats might Contain Salmonella

April 1, 2010 by

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA US) has recently issued a warning against the use of dog treats like Merrick Beef Filet Squares (distributed by Merrick Pet Care). The product is widely available in retail outlets. The infected product comes in a 10 ounce, green, red and tan plastic bags with the expiry date of 111911.

The warning comes after the findings of the FDA that these products may contain a kind of bacteria called Salmonella which can affect both animals and human beings. The FDA is taking this precautionary measure to prevent the disease from spreading, although no case with the disease related to the use of product has been reported.

Any person who comes in contact with the contaminated treats without washing his hands may get infected with this bacterium. Following are the signs that a person may show if catches the infection from Salmonella: Diarrhea and/or bloody Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea and/or vomiting and Fever. The person showing these symptoms should contact his doctors if he came in contact with the treat.

Animals infected from the bacteria show various symptoms like fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and stomach pain. The infected but healthy pet may also become the carrier of the bacteria and can spread the infection. You should contact your veterinarian at once if your pet is showing any of these signs after consumption of the product. You may also choose to discontinue the use of product and can dispose it off safely.

If your pet is showing other signs like coughing, breathing difficulty and fainting than this could be because of the other serious conditions like heartworm. It is better to give your pet once a month tablets like Sentinel to prevent such fatal diseases. Most diseases of pets are easier to prevent than cure.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Pets/Animals Tagged With: , ,