Bird Lady of Altamonte Headed For Heaven

Views: 7,925
Added: Sun. Aug 31, 2008 10:16pm
Posted in: Volunteering

» print
» report
» email

Ann Young died. And if you listen very close you can tell. Songbirds aren't singing quite as sweet.

She was the best friend wild birds ever had. Thousands owe her their lives. Thousands more won't survive now that she's gone.

She was known as the Bird Lady of Altamonte Springs. For over two decades she dedicated her home, her love, and her life to taking care of injured and orphaned wild birds.

People brought them from all over the Orlando area. Seven days a week, day or night the phone would ring, or there'd be a knock at the door.

And seven days a week, day or night, Ann was always there.

In my two decades as a reporter at WESH-TV (NBC) I did at least a half dozen stories on Ann. She hated every one of them!

I always thought it was because of her thick accent, her grayed hair, or every nook and cranny of her home littered with cages and chirping birds.

But no. She knew that along with every story would come a flood of new birds.

Ann poured everything she had into their care. Literally. There was a time she would sell her plasma to afford to buy meal worms to feed the birds.

Baby season every year was a madhouse. There were babies to be fed around the clock. No sooner had they all eaten that it was time to start the process over again.

It wasn't cheap. They went through food and medicine faster than they could ship it in.

Many people who dropped birds off would not make donations.

Ann, her supporters and loyal volunteers picked up the slack. I never heard any of them complain.

I went to see Ann just a few weeks ago. My son wrestled a baby bird out of the mouth of the neighbor's cat.

These are the photos. He insisted that we rush the little blue jay over to the Bird Lady. He loved the place.

She was the Willy Wonka of wild birds. She could be a little scary and a bit gruff on the exterior. But you could actually sense the goodness in her heart, her concern for each and every creature.

And you could tell the birds knew it, too. In her confident, caring grip, they seemed to know she was there to help.

I listened to the phone message just tonight. It was one of her long-time volunteers asking me to call right away. I knew it wasn't good news, but I never expected what I heard.

Tracy was with her until 9 last night. "Ann seemed fine. She took a nap, got up and did her cages and said she was going to bed. I had no clue at all if there was anything wrong. All I know is that today when one of the volunteers got there at noon, she found Ann lying on the couch."

Ann Young is someone that should be envied. She lived her life the way she wanted. She didn't care what anyone else thought. Where most of us search for our purpose in life, she knew hers. And she fulfilled it each and every moment she was alive. She made a tremendous difference.

Yes, she saved the lives of thousands of birds. But she also left an indelible impression on countless people, too. I'm one of them. I was fascinated by Ann. So was my wife. Even my son realized at a very young age how special she was. She's one of the most memorable people I've ever met.

Know what just dawned on me? Ann would hate this story. Too much about her and not enough about the birds. So lets do this. Promise you'll notice them. Watch them. Appreciate them. Maybe do something to help them. And who knows, maybe you'll fall in love with birds just like she did. That's something Ann would love!

Pin It

»post comment

» close window

Sandy K.
- » view
- » report
Posted 7:16pm March 26th, 2009

So, it is long after the sad event occurred, but I'm compelled to write this anyway. I just learned of Ann Young's passing, and am so saddened, for those who knew and loved her, but mostly for the birds. Like many, I didn't know her well. I dropped my first baby bird off to her 17 years ago, and every few years after, came across another little orphaned or injured bird to bring into her amazing, open arms.

I could comment on many things mentioned in this touching remembrance. But to me, the most amazing thing about Ann is something that was summarized in the line "and you could tell, the birds knew it, too". That first little bird I brought to her... a friend found him in her yard, put him on a soft cloth in a shoebox, and brought him to me. He had no feathers, his skin was transparent, and his eyes were closed. She found him earlier that day and said he had not moved or made a sound the entire time she had him. She was afraid he was near death. I called my vet, who told me of the Bird Lady, so I went straight to Ann's home. For the hour the bird was with me, it didn't look good, didn't move, and I agreed that it would probably die. Bird in box, I knocked on Ann's door. She opened the door and led me into a place like nothing I had ever seen, before or since. She took the box from me, peered inside, and said "hello, little mockingbird". The bird sprang to life... threw back his head, opened his mouth wider than I would've imagined possible, and did a little dance, nearly non-existent wings flapping. I remember getting goose bumps... this baby bird, that had not made the slightest movement or sound in my presence, knew her. I don't know if he sensed her energy or what it could have been, but he knew he was with one of his own. And he was hungry. And she fed him. And loved him. And nurtured him until he was grown, then set him free in her backyard.

One of my stories about Ann Young. So many others have so many more. I wish she was still here. And the birds... what an ally they have lost.

I wish her son the best, and will drop black oil sunflower seeds off to him this weekend. She told me once the older birds loved them best.
Dave Knechel
- » view
- » report
Posted 4:29pm September 30th, 2008
It was a genuine pleasure talking with you last night at Ann's memorial and having the opportunity to meet your family. Compliments, too, on the wonderful speech you gave, which helped set the tone for the evening. Ann was truly a very special, well loved woman, and I hope her legacy lives on through Billy and her volunteers, although it will be nearly impossible to fill her talon-ted shoes.
Bill Shafer
GB Staff
- » view
- » report
Posted 5:38pm September 4th, 2008
To watch a video tribute to Ann Young, click here.
Growing Bolder
Growing Bolder
- » view
- » report
Posted 2:47pm September 3rd, 2008
***Note from GB:

Look for a moving Video Tribute to Ann Young here on Growing Bolder to be posted sometime Thursday, September 4... Please check back to see it.
Donna
- » view
- » report
Posted 2:55pm September 2nd, 2008

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Ann.

I have taken many birds to her over the years. I have given monetary
donations along with numerous bird cages, but I still always felt like
it was never enough. Ann always amazed me when I'd walk in with
a beautiful lil bird...she'd immediately take it from me and love it in her
own special way. She could always tell me what type of bird it was and
what the illness/injury was. She had so much love to give and she will
be missed by so many. I just heard of her passing about 20 minutes ago
and have not been able to stop crying....once you meet Ann, she stays
in your heart forever. I am grateful for the chance of having met her.
Ann, you were a beautiful and special woman....God Bless You!
Bill Shafer
GB Staff
- » view
- » report
Posted 2:35pm September 1st, 2008
Thank you, Sondra, for your heartfelt comments. I'll pass along more details when they become available.
Sondra Sez
- » view
- » report
Posted 12:33pm September 1st, 2008
This is the most beautiful tribute to a kind and loving and giving woman, that I have yet to read.

I did not know her, but after reading this post, I wish I had known her.

We all go along our life, doing things just because we love to do them, never seeking publicity, nor wanting any.

It is nice that someone found out about this kind woman, so we can wish her ''Rest in Peace'', you have done gone with your life, and will be long remembered.

You are now in heaven, flying with the birds that you cared for and saved.

view all comments

Growing Bolder Community

About This Blog

Channels

Bird Lady of Altamonte Headed For Heaven

Bill Shafer