Falcons Bird Lady Needs Help “Flying” to Events

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — You’ve seen her shouting and shaking her tail feathers on the sidelines, now, Forsyth native and one of the Falcons biggest fans needs your support!

Carolyn Freeman became the “Bird Lady” in 1998. As she recalls it happened when a ‘crazed fan’ (Carolyn) started shouting at former Falcons players Jamal Anderson and Jessie Tuggle from the stands. She wanted them to do the ‘Dirty Bird Dance’.

“Eventually Jamal turned around and said, you dance. So I just start flapping my wings and shaking my hiny… and Jessie said ‘Now that’s a dirty bird’, and Jamal said ‘Nah, that’s our bird lady’ and here I am 15 years later,” said Freeman, all dolled up sitting in her red perch.

Her closet is jam packed with red, black, hats and feathers, but there’s a lot more to Carolyn then just being the Bird Lady.

“I spent eight and a half years in a wheel chair. So I live on a disability check. A lot of times I wonder how the heck I am able to do this. But I don’t miss a game. No I’m not on contract with the Falcons. I’m not paid,” said Freeman.

Carolyn fell from a ladder in the late 80s while working, and in 1996 she was in a car accident that put her in a coma. She’s had 17 major surgeries, nine on her ankle, which a doctor wanted to amputate.

“I believe in giving back and paying it forward so that’s why I’m able to defy medical science,” said Freeman.

Her time on the sidelines is only a small part of what Carolyn calls her bigger purpose. Every Tuesday she visits hospitals and nursing homes, and she does charity work all over the state.

Her over-the-top look, spirited personality, and big heart are reasons why the bird lady is being honored as an ‘uber fan’ this august at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.

“We are recognized for our charity work,” said Freeman.

In September she was invited to Orlando, FL by the “What a Fan” Association that honors fans from all professional sports.

“After fifteen years I sort of feel like I’m ready to get my present,” said Freeman, followed by a giggle.

But that present comes with a big price tag. Carolyn needs to raise thousands of dollars or find sponsors to “fly” to the events.

Now, this fan is hoping that her fans hear her “hooty-hoo” call for help, and answer it.

“I’m not giving up, I’m not losing faith… I know that my fans are going to come through for me and some sponsor is going to say Carolyn we got you,” said Freeman.

If you want to help Carolyn stop by a local BB&T Branch. Just say you want to donate to the “Atlanta Falcons Bird Lady.”