The Brains Behind the Bird


Creating the products that have become the vehicle of Bird Brains is a constant challenge and a guilty pleasure. It is a guilty pleasure because the customer actually pays me for something that I have such fun doing. The constant challenge is to ensure that my product is interesting, well made and unique. I truly enjoy all three phases of the production process.

The first step is the procurement of the materials used to make the houses, and feeders. My search takes me to flea markets, yard sales, auctions, thrift stores, and scrap yards. Sometimes past customers even bring items they think I will use to a current show. The wood for the houses and feeders come from local forests, turned into lumber by a nearby sawyer. The front portions on the structures are recycled remnants of an old school house (Cass Graded School - built 1915), local barns, and houses being demolished. I have become the "go-to-guy" when something old is coming down.

Ed at work.

Ed busy at work filling orders and
getting ready for upcoming shows!

Secondly, there is the creative joy of turning these "things" into an item that someone is willing to pay to possess. My workshop is located in the basement of my home, where many a winter's day is spent hammering, drilling and painting. It is hard to consider it work when I am listening to my favorite music, setting my own hours, taking as many (or few) breaks as I want and can always opt to "take the day off" to visit my favorite trout stream. With the invaluable help of my two adult children (Mindy & Ben), the production process is one of great satisfaction.

Lastly, there are the shows, which allow me to present my wares to the public. The interaction with my customers provides the feedback so important to ensure that I am "on the right track". Nothing gives me more pleasure than to provide a good product, at a reasonable price, to an appreciative customer. I like what I do. What can be better than that?