Harry Ritter of Bellingham got a lucky shot of what he identified as kingfisher near Boulevard Park Aug. 28.

I'm no expert, but I do enjoy using my bird book in my backyard. So I checked with Wikipedia to find that there are about 90 species of kingfisher. They can be recognized by their "large heads, long, sharp, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails."

The bird sits atop the rogue sculpture named "Grace," which was installed on tidelands near Taylor Dock by an anonymous artist last October.

I went back to our January story to recall that the city decided to let the statue stay as long as it lasts, but that other rogue artwork on city property would be removed.

Our feathered friend looked like he was enjoying the statue, as do many of us as we walk by.

OTHER BANK SUPPORTERS THANKED

Louisa Underwood, coordinator of Ferndale Other Bank, sends thanks to the group's supporters.

The Other Bank was able to provide basic hygiene and cleaning supplies to more than 150 families with children in Ferndale School District.

Louisa said that with nearly half of the Ferndale school population qualifying for free or reduced lunch, there are a lot of people in need of assistance.

"It is very gratifying to know that the people of Ferndale reach out with such generosity," she said.

Among the supporters were shoppers at Haggens who donated to the Ferndale High School leadership supply drive. Thrive Community Fitness, Walgreen Drug, and Pioneer Montessori School also held drives for the group.

Matrix, WECU, The Community Food Coop, Ferndale school administrative assistants, and BP Fabric of America helped with funding.

The United Church of Ferndale, Christ Lutheran, Zion Lutheran and Custer Methodist gave the Other Bank their Thanksgiving offerings, and make frequent in-kind donations. Christ Lutheran held a special collection in April.

The Ferndale Kiwanis, the PTOs of Skyline and Mountain View, the Beta Eta Laureate Sorority, and Ferndale 1st Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all contributed.

GOLFERS AID PETS AT DIVOTS FOR DOGS

The Alternative Humane Society raised $1,000 at its Divots for Dogs Fun Night Aug. 22 at Dakota Creek Golf in Custer.

The youngest golfer, an 11-year-old from Delta, B.C., beat all the adults in the Putt for the Pups contest and walked away with four Seahawk tickets, according to volunteer Clare Nurre of Blaine.

Claire sends a big thank you to Pam Smith and her hard-working crew at the golf club.

The society is funded by donations and the event, which they plan to hold yearly. The money enables the society to find permanent homes for cats and dogs. Some of the money will be used to help local residents pay to spay or neuter their pets. Details: alternativehumanesociety.com.

Out and About runs Mondays in The Bellingham Herald. Julie Shirley is the Executive Editor of The Bellingham Herald. Contact her at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2261.

Reach JULIE SHIRLEY at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2261.