Nancy Forrester used to have a secret garden. A large for Key West, yet miniature rain forest right in the middle of downtown,that was very popular with visitors and locals alike. But money, or the lack of it won out in the end, and Nancy could no longer afford to hold on to the property. It was amazing collection of rare palms and winding paths, and one of the best parts of visiting were the many birds she had on property. Although she was forced to sell - luckily the bargain was struck that she would have a home to live in for the remainder of her days, and a place for her beautiful rescue birds. The property she has now is actually in the back of the original garden.
The entrance is on Elizabeth St. And after trying to explain how to get there to a few guests that asked - I decided to set out to find it myself so that I could better give directions and to see how things had all turned out for Nancy. I'm really glad I did.
The entrance is on Elizabeth St. And after trying to explain how to get there to a few guests that asked - I decided to set out to find it myself so that I could better give directions and to see how things had all turned out for Nancy. I'm really glad I did.
I took the pictures directly below to give some landmarks to help find it. The house on Elizabeth sits between Southard and Fleming. The blue house on the left is hard to miss...it's painted very hippie like - psychedelic rainbows! You should then look to the house on the right, 518 Elizabeth, and for the sign I have below on the right hand top picture - the sign sits on a little wrought iron table. (you can click on images to enlarge)
Between the blue house and Nancy's you will see a walkway, with a door with a picture of a bird. You just ring the bell, walk through the door and across the porch, and you have found it!
Nancy Forresters!
If you go between 10 am and 3 pm chances are Nancy will be entertaining visitors from all over the world with one of her feathered friends. Her official talk time is 10 am but I have been there several times throughout the day and she always has time for her many visitors as they trickle in. Once we began to talk it was obvious we would enjoy each others company and of course she had known Daddy and had many happy memories of him and dancing the night away at Capt. Tony's.
She is a natural born storyteller and I don't think there is anything she doesn't know about birds as well as the environment. And her talks never sound like lessons although you sure do learn a lot about the birds and why it's so important to preserve our planet. She lived in Grassy Key as a little girl and and remembers the excitement of coming down to the "Big City" - Key West - for life's necessities, like doctors appointments and other things not available near Grassy Key at the time. She has wonderful stories.
The birds all have special talents, love music and dancing and showing off for visitors. The picture above is Mr. Peaches drawing a picture on the iPhone. Mr. Peaches can also play piano on a piano app and gets bored after mastering a new program, just like a typical kid. I've had a fear of birds since being bit by one many years ago, but Mr. Peaches won my heart. I'm proud to say I actually look forward to holding him and it's a great feeling not to be afraid anymore!
I'm just fascinated with Nancy's history in the Keys. Back when Key West was untouched by development and life was lived half in and half out of the water. It turns out birds were never of particular interest to her, the ocean was her love, so we have that in common in addition to a fierce love for this special island we live on. She began to collect parrots when someone left one at the garden, abandoned like a story book baby, and she's been taking in rescue birds ever since. The birds are very much like human children in that they demand constant attention, and that's one of the reasons there are so many parrots to rescue. People spent huge amounts of money to buy a bird only to find they don't have the time or patience that these intelligent animals need and deserve. Rescue facilities like Nancy's are full and once you hear Nancy's reasons you'll see why buying a bird from a breeder is definitely a bad idea, especially when there are so many wonderful birds that would love to be adopted.
Although Nancy has a forever home she can always use help feeding and caring for the birds and their various needs and occasional ailments. A small donation is requested to visit and interact with the beautiful friends of Nancy's. Nancy or one of her helpers are there every day of the week, and the birds and Nancy would love to meet you.
So if you love animals or are just looking for something off of the beaten path right in the middle of downtown I highly recommend it. Be sure and say Hi to Mr. Peaches for me!
For more info here is a link to the website: http://www.nancyforrester.com
Smiles,
XO
Toni
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