We don’t always get Cooper’s photos right on the first shot*. Here are some pics that didn’t make the cut.





* Due to the photographer and through no fault of the model, of course.

The Detroit Animal Welfare Group in Michigan took in hundreds of budgies dropped off by the son of an animal hoarder. The birds had been kept in one room and several are in rough shape.
The first day, 497 budgies were dropped off. An additional 339 budgies were dropped off the following day.
The budgies are currently being quarantined and will be looked at by veterinarians. A few bird rescue groups have come forward to assist in caring for the budgies. You can read more here.

If you are in the area and looking to adopt a budgie, please keep these little ones in mind.
If you would like to contribute to their care (food/vet costs) you can do so by clicking these links:
Detroit Animal Welfare Group and here is a link to follow the birds’ progress:
https://www.facebook.com/DetroitAnimalWelfareGroup
Birds and Beaks Rescue and Rehab and here is a link to follow the birds’ progress: https://www.facebook.com/birdsandbeaks/
This month’s book is The Bird in Santa’s Beard by Jeffery L. Schatzer (with Mark Bush and Don Rutt). Illustrations by Ty Smith.

Santa comes across a little bird who did not fly south for the winter. Cold and alone, the little bird calls out to Santa for help.
Santa offers the bird some warm oatmeal (with cinnamon) and invites her to stay with him for the winter. The two become the best of friends. The little bird even builds a nest in Santa’s beard. One day Santa wakes up to find eggs in the nest.
But Christmas is near and soon Santa will have to visit with the children. How will he be able to meet the children while keeping the eggs safe?

This book was absolutely adorable. Cooper loved it (even though the bird was not a budgie). The photos were lovely and some made Cooper laugh. They captured the friendship between the little bird and Santa. Children often wonder why are there so many different Santas each year. This book provides a wonderful explanation on why Santa has so many helpers.