So I’ve watched certain hypno vids and even though I’m not sexually attracted to men (don’t get aroused by them) I can’t stop thinking of pleasing men which is weird…
The Birds of a Feather is about more than just birds. It’s about control and manipulation of our environment to see the desired effect. In towns and cities, this might mean making sure birds and animals don’t cause a nuisance - ultrasonic deterrents, scarecrows, noise makers, ans sprinklers are all used to stop unwanted visitors. In contrast, we might put out bowls of water, seed feeders, bird boxes, and allow areas of unkept plants to run wild to attract animals to a particular space.
But what about us? Our movement and use of public spaces are influenced just as much. City centers are made clean and laid out strategically to help people enjoy their experiences there. Signs help us determine where we can and cannot go:
Here’s an interesting article from The Gazette newspaper in Colchester:
10k Studs to Deter the Firstsite Skaters
METAL balls to stop skateboarders using steps outside Colchester’s Firstsite Gallery have been installed at a cost of £10,000.
A total of 146 of the tiny studs have been fitted, so each one cost nearly £70 from Colchester Council’s coffers.
Two of the studs, screwed in place on the edges of the steps, have already broken off.
The move, last night described as “frivolous” and “shocking” comes after ‘no skateboarding’ signs displayed in the area, have failed to have the desired effect.
A PCSO has also been assigned to the area in a bid to keep boarders at bay.
Tim Young, portfolio holder for planning, community safety and culture, said the cash was accounted for in “existing budgets”, worked out “before his time”.
“We are justifying the cost from the amount of nuisance that has been caused,” he added.
So, you see, Birds of a Feather is not just asking us to think about birds. Or environmental control. It is asking what environmental control means to you.
We invite you to submit a design for a bird attractor or repeller for display around St Botolphs, in Colchester, in the coming months.
24 designs from each category will be selected and their designers invited to produce them for display at St Botolphs later in 2014. For more information, pop into The Minories Art Gallery for a submission form.
Winter is hard for our feathered friends! The cold weather and snow make finding seeds and food difficult. Help feed birds all winter long with this easy DIY bird feeder.
Mix 1 cup of peanut butter in a sauce pan over low heat.
Stir in 2 cups of cornmeal and 2 cups of oats to your melted peanut butter.
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, form palm sized balls.
