DEAR SUN SPOTS: Avian Haven needs volunteer transporters in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Oxford and Kennebec counties.

Avian Haven is a nonprofit bird rescue and rehabilitation center in Freedom, established in 1999 by Marc Payne and Diane Winn. Our caseload has increased to approximately 1,300 cases per year, and 100 percent of our expenses are paid by private donations.

If you would like to become a volunteer transporter or know someone who would, please contact Marc or Diane at 207-382-6761.

Learn more at www.avianhaven.org.

Travel expenses are tax deductible. — Kim Bailey, kmtom17@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots has had some interactions with Avian Haven and has been most impressed. A couple of years ago she and Mr. Sun Spots tried to rescue a lame turkey they named Hope. Hope had two legs, but one hung uselessly and she was forced to hop.

Efforts to capture her and take her to Avian Haven failed, but Diane was most helpful in offering advice on how to proceed.

They have a terrific website with videos of some of the rescues and releases. Some of these birds were near death when Avian Haven stepped in and returned them to good health and back to the wild, whenever possible.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day and enjoy the wealth of information and help I get from it.

For years we have been birdwatchers and have a variety of feeders. However, in the past few weeks all the birds have disappeared.

We always had a lot of woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, even crows and blackbirds. Has anyone else noticed this? — Missing the birds

ANSWER: Mr. Sun Spots has been lamenting the lack of bird life all summer. After a busy spring when he could barely keep the feeders outside his home office filled, they all disappeared.

Sun Spots has seen woodpeckers, but that’s about it. She knows of no scientific explanation. Scientists have noticed many changes in life patterns of flora and fauna, including the recent dearth of monarch butterflies noted recently in the news.

One theory is the changing climate. Another is the loss of habitat, especially with birds and butterflies that migrate to crowded places like Mexico. But chickadees don’t migrate. Where did they go?

Sun Spots doesn’t know, but she brought in all the feeders for a thorough washing in case the birds don’t like a dirty plate.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: First, thank you for all you do. The information provided in the Sept. 26 column by Katie Hansberry, state director of the Humane Society, made me want to sign the Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting petition. Can you tell me where to find one? — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: To find a place near you, go to http://action.fairbearhunt.com/page/event/search_simple and enter your ZIP code.  There is an extensive list of opportunities in L-A, including at Pirates games and at the libraries. 

Sun Spots did not find a phone number, but those without computers can call their library. The Lewiston and Auburn libraries will have petition events the next two Saturdays, at 8 a.m. at the Lewiston Public Library and at 11 a.m. at the Auburn library. Other libraries and pet-care-related organizations are also having signings.

DEAR SUN SPOTS; Many thanks to you for such a great service. I have been searching for a source to buy organic compost in the Lewiston-Auburn region without any success.

We have a truck and I could pick it up if delivery is a problem. Thanks for any help that you can provide. — Becky , 784-7138, becbobmorgan91@myfairpoint.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know of any. She “grows” her own. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Anyone who loves to play video golf on the Xbox 360 and has the game Masters Historic Edition: Tiger Woods PGA 2014 is welcome to join my online country club.

The country club is called 49er Nation and I am looking for players to compete with and have fun with. My gametag is zachlarry and email is zachlarry@hotmail.com if you have any questions. — Larry

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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