Bohemia Village Voice

Unusual flock seen at the Outdoorsman in Bohemia Road.

Have you ever fancied a flamingo? desired a duck? hankered after a heron? These and many other birds are available, in plastic form, from the Outdoorsman in Bohemia Road. Alan, founder, and owner for the last 25 years of this specialist store, says “People come from miles around for these birds. They buy them as garden and pond ornaments. They also buy owls and hawks to keep the seagulls away.” How much do the birds cost? “Flamingoes, storks, herons and swans are all £25. Mallards, male and female are £6, Magpies and Crows are £5, and Little Owls are £7. A Peregrine Falcon will set you back £18 and an Eagle Owl, £17. A flying Kestrel is £20.” The Outdoorsman has been selling the Italian made birds for some years, but has only started displaying them outside this year. “They go pretty fast, we sell at least half a dozen a week.” They are also sold via the shop’s website which Alan claims offers the largest selection of outdoors equipment on the web, with over 30,000 products. “We send goods all over the world, we even supply the armed forces in Iraq. Just today for example, we sent out a £300 pair of boots to a soldier in Iraq – he presumably didn’t like the ones he was issued with.” 
“ The Outdoorsman, 122, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, TN37 6RP. Tel. 01424 429343. Website:
www.outdoorsman.co.uk