St Francis Bird Feeders
The memory of St Francis of Assissi evokes many images of being one with nature and wild animals. He has come to symbolize a peaceful coexistence with a beautiful natural setting. Because of this one of the favorite types of bird feeders is a statue of plaque of St Francis feeding the birds, sometimes from his hands.
Here is a design featured by Yardiac.com
For something a little more whimsical here is a feeder from JustBirdfeeders.com
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St Francis was of course the founder of the Franciscan order of monks in the Catholic Church. Founded in the 1200's, his followers took a vow of poverty, and were only allowed to beg for food. This was in contrast to his youth where he led a life of comfort.
Many of the legends and stories of the life of St. Francis center on his love of animals. One such story tells of the time Francis was traveling with some friends and came to a place where birds filled the trees on both sides of the road. Francis told his fellow travelers to "wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters the birds". He was surrounded by birds, who were attracted to his voice, with none of them leaving. He then preached to them about the power of God to provide all that we need, and not to worry so about providing for ourselves.
There is another legend about the time there was a wold terrorizing the local population, and killing livestock and people. St Francis tracked him down alone as it had scared off his companions, and with the Sign of the Cross commanded it to lay down and hurt no one. The wolf was eventually domesticated and the people of Gubbio were no longer harassed by the creature.
In keeping with that tradition, enjoy a St Francis birdfeeder for the natural setting in your backyard.