The holiday season is fast approaching, and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary invites families to join in the celebration with Christmas for the Birds on December 14. This delightful event offers fun activities for all ages and a chance to embrace the festive spirit alongside some of the Sanctuary’s feathered and furry residents.
The Sanctuary is located at 3774 Orweiler Road near Clearfork Reservoir, just a few miles southeast of Galion.
What to Expect at the Event
Guests will have the chance to immerse themselves in holiday cheer with a variety of engaging activities:
- Meet Santa and Friends: Santa Claus will make his annual stop at the Sanctuary, bringing along some of his adorable animal companions.
- Craft and Cookie Fun: Families can decorate cookies and create holiday crafts to take home as keepsakes.
- Feathered Friends Up Close: Experience an intimate encounter with some of the Sanctuary’s bird residents, offering a closer look at their unique beauty and behavior.
- Light Refreshments: Warm up with seasonal treats and beverages to keep the festive spirit alive.
Admission Details
To ensure an enjoyable and intimate experience for all, space is limited to 25 vehicles per hour. Admission is $25 per vehicle, so pack in as many friends and family members as your car can carry! Guests are encouraged to bring a Christmas gift for the birds to help support the Sanctuary. Items on the birds’ wishlist include:
- Paper towels
- Puppy pads
- Bluebird pellets
- Dried mealworms
- Black kitchen bags
Fun Fact: Birds in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
As you celebrate the holidays with the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, take a moment to appreciate how birds have been woven into festive traditions. Did you know that six of the gifts in the iconic carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” are birds? Here’s a quick look at these winged wonders:
- A Partridge in a Pear Tree: Likely inspired by the grey partridge, these ground-dwelling birds are known for their rustic charm.
- Two Turtle Doves: Symbolizing love and devotion, turtle doves have become a holiday staple despite their declining populations.
- Three French Hens: Likely referring to breeds such as Faverolles or Marans, these hens are renowned for their winter egg-laying capabilities.
- Four Calling Birds: Originally “colly birds,” this term likely describes blackbirds, celebrated for their melodic songs.
- Six Geese A-Laying: Domestic geese, prized for their eggs and meat, have long been a symbol of abundance.
- Seven Swans A-Swimming: These elegant waterfowl have been associated with beauty and grace, often appearing in classical art and mythology.
How to Get Involved
Spaces for Christmas for the Birds are sure to fill up quickly, so make your reservation early to ensure your spot at this festive event. Don’t forget to bring your donations to show some holiday love to the Sanctuary’s birds!
For more information or to reserve your spot, visit the Ohio Bird Sanctuary’s website.
