[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 10/23/03 ]

Family business flies on wings of bluebirds

By TUCKER McQUEEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bluebirds are having a hard time surviving, and a Cobb family has started a business to help them out.

Craig Harris, 38, is president of Tending the Garden, a Web-based business inspired by his parents, Ron and Cheryl Harris. The company sells birdhouses, baths, food, mounting poles, books, videos and other bird-related items. They plan to give 5 percent of their profits to the North American Bluebird Society to help save the vanishing species.

Harris said the birds find the man-made houses -- with small holes that mimic the cavities they love to nest in -- an acceptable substitute for trees. The holes also discourage larger birds, such as European starlings and house wrens, from pushing the smaller birds out.

John Bianchi of the National Audubon Society in New York said that in recent years, the number of bluebirds in the country has actually increased. He credits that growth to people who put out the nesting boxes. He said 75 percent of bluebird fatalities each year are because of the loss of habitat and food.

"If they can't find a place to nest, they don't make it," Bianchi said. "They are marginalized when they are pushed out of places to live because of development."

Although bluebirds are more prevalent in rural areas, the Harris's believe that with more bluebird boxes out, they will be encouraged to find shelter in suburbia.

The bird business is a part-time venture for the family.

Ron Harris, 59, retired from a sales position several years ago after he became ill with cancer and then developed a rare muscle disease. His wife is the U.S. accounts receivable manager for Hewlett-Packard, and Craig Harris runs a residential cleaning service and an accounting business.

Both Craig Harris, who lives in east Marietta, and his parents, who live in west Cobb, have nesting boxes in their yards.

Ron Harris said that for 14 years, three bluebird families a year have lived in his back yard. He said the birds won't come unless the boxes are 5 feet off the ground, face south and are spaced 100 feet apart. The houses also have to be cleaned out between lodgers.

"It has always given us pleasure to see them come every year and move on," Ron Harris said. "We hope our business will educate people about their plight and make a little money for us as well."

Ron and Cheryl Harris grew up near each other In Greensboro, N.C., where they developed a fondness for nature. Ron Harris remembers sitting on a porch swing at his grandparents' home and watching birds. He passed on his love of the outdoors to his son by taking him on woodland hikes. This year, they decided to turn their hobby into a business.

Their Web site has more than product information. It also gives the how-to's of attracting bluebirds to backyard habitats and has links to other bird-related sites. Check them out at www.4bluebirds.com. Family decided to make the company a non profit organization to pursue other interest so the website is now just for information only to help save the bluebird.