A petition to support the artist behind driftwood bird sculptures at the Esquimalt Lagoon has garnered nearly 5,000 signatures.

Paul Lewis isnB次元官网网址檛 phased by threats to destroy his enormous driftwood bird sculptures. In fact, the Langford-based artist said the harassment has empowered him.

LewisB次元官网网址檚 massive driftwood birds on the Esquimalt Lagoon have attracted the attention of hundreds of beach-goers. More than 50 birds, including ravens, owls, eagles and hummingbirds dot the shore, celebrating nature and the nearby Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

But not everyone loves the driftwood statues.

Lewis received text message threats from a man who wanted the statues destroyed and said he would go so far as to rally a petition for their removal.

But community members came back in full force.

Colwood resident Allie Lima launched an last week after hearing about the threats. By Jan. 7 the petition had more than 4,800 signatures B次元官网网址� a few hundred shy of its 5,000-signature goal.

B次元官网网址淲e see a lot of stuff happening and everybody waits for somebody to make a move. I decided, B次元官网网址榶ou know what, IB次元官网网址檓 going to start a petition,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� she told Black Press. B次元官网网址淲hat can we do so it doesnB次元官网网址檛 get vandalized, it doesnB次元官网网址檛 get destroyed?

Lima plans to bring the petition to the city of Colwood and ask for support protecting the birds.

B次元官网网址淭his is art, itB次元官网网址檚 beautiful. ItB次元官网网址檚 not impeding anything. ItB次元官网网址檚 actually bringing awareness to the bird sanctuary B次元官网网址� to the birds that are there,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 want the city to look into it and see if there is something they can do to protect it.B次元官网网址�

Took the dogs to Lagoon for a walk last night and was pleasantly surprised to find some lovely Thank you to for sharing his creativity and talents. .

B次元官网网址� Fifthelement (@FifthElemental1)

And this wasnB次元官网网址檛 the first time the artistB次元官网网址檚 birds have been threatened.

In July, the hummingbird, baby osprey and oystercatcher statues were stolen and nothing but the body remained of a cormorant.

It took about 10 hours of work for Lewis to rebuild and repair the birds.

Lima said there will always be naysayers, but she was happy to see how quickly community members offered their support.

B次元官网网址淭hese sculptures have become local icons and they are beyond creative and beautiful. So incredibly West coast. We LOVE them!B次元官网网址� commented Sarah Fairbass.

Judy Holzemer wrote: B次元官网网址淭he artist has taken pieces of the beach and transformed them into amazing pieces of art for everyone to enjoy. Being made of wood from the beach, they blend beautifully and naturally with the area. I feel if anyone finds it offensive, then donB次元官网网址檛 look.B次元官网网址�