Flamingos set up outside one of the first houses to be flocked by Butler Meals on Wheels. Tracy Leturgey/Butler Eagle

A few Butler homeowners woke up this week to find their lawns transformed into a plastic zoo habitat covered in dozens of yard flamingos.

Any sense of understandable wonderment over the situation was explained by a helpful sign.

The vibrant surprise is part of a fundraiser by Butler Meals on Wheels and those who find the artificial avians outside their windows have fallen victim to a flocking.

Donna Steinheiser, a board member for Meals on Wheels, said she remembers the first time she saw someone else‘s yard covered in flamingos by another fundraiser.

“It just took me back. I had to put the car in reverse and back up and read the sign,” Steinheiser said.

That memory is what led Steinheiser to bring the idea to the Meals on Wheels board of directors as a way to raise money and call attention to the organization.

Those who have been flocked can pay $25 to get the flock removed or, for $40, they can choose a yard to pass the birds onto. While nobody is required to participate, the hope is to at least get a laugh.

“It doesn’t harm anybody. It gives people a laugh. Other people enjoy them when they pass by and it certainly is for a good cause,” Steinheiser said.

Sign set up at a flocked property by Butler Meals on Wheels. Tracy Leturgey/Butler Eagle

Although the fundraiser has just begun, all of those who have gotten a flock have opted to donate $40 and choose a new yard to send them to, so the Butler area can start keeping an eye out for them in the community.

“We just ask that people don’t give us something in another state or someone too far,” Steinheiser said.

Terri Tirk, program director for Butler Meals on Wheels, said they’re putting out more this week, as feedback has been very positive. Those who wake up to them can send them to a friend or family member who might find it amusing.

“We have a set coming this weekend because it seems like it’s really taking off, which is awesome.” Tirk said.

Donations from the traveling yard decorations go to Meals on Wheels. The organization utilizes volunteers to deliver fresh meals to Butler residents in need.

“It’s just meant to be something fun, something to bring a smile to your face, you know, spread the word a little bit about Butler Meals on Wheels,” Tirk said.