Add The California Post on Google Bird enthusiasts in one West Coast state might ruffle some feathers after jokingly calling for a $10 fee on each bird tattoo people decide to have inked on their bodies in an effort to raise money for birds and their habitats.
The idea comes from the Bird Alliance of Oregon, who made clear it’s not a real tax, but a humorous fundraising campaign “designed to raise funds and raise awareness about the plight of birds.”
“People really connect with birds, whether they mean something metaphorically or whether they love birds, they represent something in their lives, and it’s really personal,” Ali Berman, with non-profit group, told KATU of the tax.
“And so, we wanted to connect what people were feeling about the desire to put, again, something permanent on their body with birds’ real need right now.”
“They’re in trouble to be protected. So, why not marry the two things?” Berman added.
“People have been getting by far too long, immortalizing us on their forearms and backs, without us seeing any benefit,” one of the state’s most iconic seabird resident said, per the group.
A form on the group’s website explained how people can pay a “minimum $10 per bird tattoo” on a person’s body. Those who donate are invited to submit a photo of their tattoo, and favorites will be shared.
And don’t worry if you don’t have one, the group is encouraging people to get members of their family and friends who are tattooed up in “compliance with the tax” or else “face the wrath of the birds,” it said joked.
The group even shared a silly video on Facebook on Wednesday about common complaints at the “Internal RAVENue Service from people trying to get out of paying the Bird Tattoo Tax.”
Berman told The Post the response to the campaign has been wonderful.
“People are sending in donations and photos of their tattoos,” she said.
“We’re thrilled that people like the joke and the concept, and are enthusiastic to share their body art with us while protecting birds,” Berman added.
Tons of people on social media have sent in photos of their bird ink, vowing to fork over some cash in response, clearly not in a fowl mood about it in any way.
The Bird Tattoo Tax is due no later than August 21.
The group said the funds will go towards things like “habitat protection and restoration, advocacy for imperiled species, a wildlife hospital, and nature education.”
