Note: Whether you are lovebirds, or just love birds, these hand-written cards are the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Order by February 9, 2022 to insure delivery of your ❤️ note.
The month of February is for love birds. And if you have a special place in your heart for pelicans like we do at International Bird Rescue, you came to the right place.
Since our beginning, pelicans have played a big part in our story. So much so that several years ago, Jay Holcomb, then Executive Director of International Bird Rescue, created a special Valentine’s Day nod to our winged friends.
Read the story, in Jay’s own words below, behind this limited edition Valentine’s Day merchandise, as told by the artist:
“I drew a red heart with a pelican in front of it on a 4×8 card and placed it right above my computer so I could see it throughout the day…” –Jay Holcomb, past Executive Director, International Bird Rescue
“During the (2010) Deepwater Horizon spill we were responsible for the rehabilitation of the oiled birds. We did this in the midst of massive chaos even though our work and the birds’ welfare were always being manipulated and impacted by agendas and politics. This had me quite concerned for the birds’ welfare and I found myself very stressed and trying to figure it all out.
I soon realized that I could not control the events of the spill but could hold the pelicans’ and other birds’ welfare in my mind as “cared for and safe.” I drew a red heart with a pelican in front of it on a 4×8 card and placed it right above my computer so I could see it throughout the day. This very simple picture reminded me to let go and focus on the outcome I had envisioned, which was their welfare, whatever that was.
This is based on the concept that quanta, small particles of energy, in the quantum field behave according to the observer. In other words what we observe and think about creates our reality. It’s true, so I just needed to detach emotionally and observe them as “cared for and safe.” I did this many times each day, and in the end we released over 80% of the oiled pelicans that came to us and many more were protected in the wild.”
Share Jay’s meaningful design with your friends, family and loved ones with a special Bird Rescue hand-written Valentine. When you make a $25 donation, we will send a handwritten card featuring the Pelican Love artwork to the recipient of your choice. These Valentines are a thoughtful way to show someone you care – while helping us keep our pelican and other waterbird patients cared for and safe.
If you’re a fan of Jay’s beautiful Pelican Love design, see our Threadless store. From throw pillows, to tote bags, to face masks, these items are a must-have for every pelican fan. They make fantastic Valentine’s gifts too! This limited-edition line will only be available through the end of February.
