We were pleased with the response to the NatureLynx photography contest. Two of the winners, Cindy and Anita, came to EBF to claim their prizes on Closing Day. We look forward to an expanded program next season!

Closing Day was a success again this year, with a record number of people in attendance. The Golden Music Makers once again provided enjoyable old-time musical entertainment and Gift Shop sales were brisk.  Chairman Bob Winchell welcomed visitors and did the door prize draws. Ron Asp drew for the two big-ticket raffle items. The winner of the beautiful Gordon Hiebert panorama print was Rochelle Havanka of Lacombe and the Freda Molenkamp-Oudman quilt was won by Catherine Simmons of Calgary. 

We thank everyone for supporting EBF over the summer. We had good attendance, in spite of the weather, and the gardens looked very beautiful thanks to the hard work of our gardener, Linda Sommers, and her team.

At the end of the day, Marilyn Jones came to the site to retrieve her loaner goats. The goats were a big hit with visitors over the summer and we are grateful that Marilyn is happy to share them with us.

​For two consecutive nights this week, our new weight-activated bird feeder was completely emptied. Who, we wondered, could possibly eat so much (expensive shelled sunflower) seed from this feeder? Since it used a weight-activated system, only the lightest of creatures could possibly rest on the perches. 

We put up a trail camera in attempt to catch the culprits. And we did! All night long, a line-up of little deer mice came up an adjacent shrub, scurried along its branches and then easily climbed up onto the feeder. The protective mesh gave them perfect climbing ladders from which to access all the ports. When the feeder was finally emptied, it was easy for them to climb right inside the feeder and finish off the last of these tasty morsels. 
 
 As much as we enjoy supporting biodiversity at Ellis Bird Farm, our budget would not support feeding such expensive offerings to the mice!  We have since moved the feeder away from the bushes.