FLORA AND FAUNA on display. While the dove is a symbol of peace, a lot of commotion goes on in Ron and Pat Dahl's backyard aviary. While their garden was a stop on the Edible Garden Tour last Saturday, their birds stole some of the attention. <b>Photo by Steve Shay</b>
Ron and Pat Dahl's backyard was one of 10 stops on the 1st Annual Edible Garden Tour of West Seattle last Saturday, and while the vegetables were on the menu, the animals were not. Surrounded by a cornucopia of enormous squash, sweet Walla Walla onions, pungent garlic, and a patch of cabbage, stood an aviary of doves, a shy chicken and two cockatiels. One is named Pearl, but sometimes Earl, as its gender is unknown, and the other, a sorry-looking little creature with no crest is named Crackers.
They also have three pet ducks that waddle around their 48th Avenue SW backyard. "We put the ducks into dog crates and take them camping on the coast," said Ron, who does quality control for Boeing. They do share a trait with dogs, and sense when their owners are packing. Said Ron, "They know when we are getting ready to leave."
