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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Old friend Bill Fenimore and Dee Rees were recently in the bank and came to tell me about an exciting, new venture. Bill and Dee were anxious to invite me to the opening of their new House of Birds because they know I love birds and have several bird feeders in my backyard.
Well, the opening was terrific. When you enter the store at the Layton Target Center in Layton, you walk down a pebble path into a wonderful, relaxing place where you can find just what you need to enhance your personal enjoyment of wild birds. There is a smell of cedar, walls the color of evergreens and the tranquil gurgle of water. It is a very relaxing atmosphere.
Bill stated that the new store is just not about selling feeders and feed. He told me, "what we really sell is a "backyard habitat." They do sell bird feed, birdbaths and feeders but they also had a full line of binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides and a great line of gift items for nature lovers.
I have problems with birds that are sloppy eaters and I hate it when the feed is dropped onto the ground and then spouts and grows in my lawn. "No problem," Bill told me. "We have sterilized feed that the birds love but won't cause any growth in your yard."
I really enjoyed hearing about the bird watching trips they sponsor every Saturday morning. Last Saturday they led a group to Antelope Island where they saw eagles hawks, falcons and many other birds. The cost to participate in one of these regular jaunts is "your enthusiasm." The Wild Bird Center pays entry fees and all other expenses. They have a strong desire to teach people the joy of bird watching, feeding and the enjoyment of the outdoors.
Dee Rees explained to me how all of the products are top performers in scientific tests. Their bird feeding recommendations are based on documented research showing what, where and how birds like to eat.
I asked, "Isn't November a strange time of year to open the Wild Bird Center?" "No," Bill Fenimore said, "It shouldn't be. Birds eat year round and really need attention 12 months a year." Well, it was a great visit. It's a beautiful store and bird watching and bird feeding is a beautiful pastime.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
