He Makes Shovel Birds

He makes shovel birds AG WORLD Ag World 13-1-17 Welding is a hobby for LeRoy Klan, McPherson, Kan., who scours flea markets and auctions looking for what other people might call junk to make his colorful and unusual lawn ornaments he calls "Shovel Birds". Seven of Klan's creations stand in his yard and he's made another 40 to 50 to give to friends and relatives spread out over five neighboring states. Klan uses all kinds of shovels - scoop, spades, blunt nose, etc. - to make his creations. Old tractor seats, rakes and pitch-forks are also used for the body and tail feathers. "Any odds-and-ends junk will work. I use rebar steel for the feet and legs, old springs for the neck, and a horse mower guard for the head and beak," says Klatt. Ball bearings are used for eyes as well as knock-out steel circles from punch presses. (Klatt says the steel circles are easier to weld into place than bearings.) Each "bird" is different from the next and all are painted bright colors. Sometimes neighbors ask Klan to make shovel birds for them out of junk they have around the farm. He does so without charge. Shovel Birds are not for sale since he only makes them to give to friends. For more information, contact FARM SHOW Followup, LeRoy Klan, Canton, Kan. 67428 (ph 316 628-4391).

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