Sixty-nine-year-old O.T. Bailey has a charming southern drawl, a gracious smile and a passion for bluebirds.
“I’ve fallen in love with bluebirds,” Bailey said.
The retired counselor started making bluebird houses in 2004 after his former secretary gave him one as a present.
“I never get sick of making them,” Bailed said. “It’s my hobby.”
It's a craft that has quickly consumed his garage. In his garage are dozens of bluebird houses neatly arranged on a table along with a framed photo of a bluebird.
Although Bailey stores his houses in his garage, he works up a sweat in his workshop out back.
“This is where I sit to build them,” Bailey said. “I turn on my radio. I just love it.”
Nailed to the awning of his workshop is a sign that reads “Pop Pop’s Workshop.”
“My grandkids call me Pop Pop,” Bailey said.
Bailey enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for bluebirds with his grandchildren.
“My grandson and I used to sit on rocking chairs on the back porch and just watch the birds,” Bailey said.
Before he retired and discovered his hobby, Bailey worked in Alamance-Burlington School System for 33 years. He worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for 27 years, retired and then went back to work in a school cafeteria nine days later.
“I started to work in the cafeteria because we had a grandson that was starting school and I wanted to be down the hall from him,” said Bailey.
Building bluebird houses isn’t something Bailey takes lightly.
He spends his time researching bluebirds to ensure that his houses meet the birds' specific needs. The houses are made of cedar, which Bailey protects by brushing them with linseed oil. He doesn’t paint the houses because he is afraid it will affect the baby bluebirds.
On the side of each house, Bailey installs a hinged door for easy monitoring and cleaning after each nesting. He also includes a five-foot metal pole on which the bluebird house fits. This is the recommended height, according to The North Carolina Bluebird Society.
Bailey sells his bluebird houses for $40 at farmers' markets, craft fairs and church events. He also donates many of his houses to schools, churches and other organizations. As a member of the Elon Farmers' Market, Bailey has connected with the Elon community as well.
Pam Brumbaugh, the director of Experiential Education at Elon, acknowledges Bailey’s high quality bluebird houses. She also values his affection for his craft.
“As a career counselor, to see someone acting out of passion is something I can appreciate,” Brumbaugh said. “I didn’t buy a birdhouse, but I live out in the country where there are a lot of blue birds, so I should. I will next time.”
Bailey takes great pride in his craft. He has a genuine propensity for bluebirds and in turn his hobby has invigorated him.
“I may be 70 years old, but I feel great,” Bailey said.