{For the Birds}	{Aviary by Living Designs, Inc.}
The impressive piece of “living furniture” was donated by the Westmoreland Manor Volunteer Association after the idea was brought to the association’s attention by volunteer Marilyn Brown.  The possibility of purchasing an aviary for the Manor was first discussed in October 2006.  Plans moved quickly after approval by the membership of the Westmoreland Manor Volunteers.  The aviary was assembled by Living Designs, Inc. the week before Christmas, and the Manor soon increased its census by 16 – birds, that is.
Living Designs, Inc. is a South Dakota company that is well respected for its work in avian research, especially in genetics and disease control.  Their flock is used in the largest of studies of avian groups, and they are the largest breeder of finches in America.  Living Designs delivers and sets up the aviary, releases the birds into it and teaches anyone who watches the process everything they always wanted to know about our passerine (seed eating) birds.  They then return quarterly (a result of a maintenance package paid for by the Volunteers) to medically evaluate and treat the birds, change birds, remove babies as needed and replace nesting materials. Clean drinking water is provided by a gravity-flow water system enclosed in a wooden box on the aviary floor.  This system is unique to Living Designs, Inc. and limits the deadly bacterial growth while providing a constant fresh supply of water.	{New Manor Resident}
{Aviary Birds}	Weekly maintenance of the aviary includes emptying and cleaning the feed dish, replacing feed and cleaning the glass enclosure.  This task is handled by employees who offer their time, and muscle, for the job. Westmoreland Manor is home to 16 birds, including a canary, an orange weaver, diamond doves, shafttails, blue cap and orange cheek wax bills, and zebra and society finches.  Most are native to Africa and Australia.
Everyone is welcome to spend some time viewing the aviary.  If you observe their daily activities you will learn their behavior such as “preening”, which is a daily ritual where birds clean every feather (with a little help from their friends), and even get a little sex education – not x-rated but it could lead to family discussions.  Residents, visitors and staff alike are fascinated by the birds that sing and dance – yes, dance.
Resident Barb Carnes said, “I watch them for hours.”  And she is not alone.  Many residents have discovered a new interest while others are rekindling an old one.  Visitors strike up conversations with strangers while watching the birds’ antics.  Everyone who takes the time to watch the Manor’s feathered friends observes something different and often shares their thoughts with those around them.  There is always something to talk about when you are watching a constantly changing scene.	{Pair of birds}
For more information contact Phillip Sell, Assistant Administrator, Westmoreland Manor at 724 830-6122 or e-mail psell@co.westmoreland.pa.us.