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Showing posts by WBU Inc

December 15, 2023
Give the Gift of Backyard Birds
By WBU Inc | Hobby
Note to self: Try not to panic this year! The clock is ticking and Christmas is looming larger on the horizon, and many of us are trying hard to keep the endless hype and craziness from diminishing our true joy for the holiday season. It is such a special time of year; a time to
November 27, 2023
Wild Birds Unlimited Takes First Place for Overall Performance at Annual STAR Awards
By WBU Inc | Franchising
Franchise Update Media recently announced the winners of its annual STAR (Speaking To And Responding) Awards, which recognize excellence in lead generation, recruitment, and industry-wide best practices in franchising. Wild Birds Unlimited won first place for Overall Performance, achieving this top performance based on best practices in the key categories outlined below: Best Online Sales
November 20, 2023
Feasting with Our Feathered Friends
By WBU Inc | Hobby
How do we define feasting? Its basic meaning describes the consumption of an elaborate meal, often accompanied by entertainment, which takes place to mark a special event. Sure sounds like Thanksgiving, right? Thanksgiving, for many of us, is a day when we settle down to an impeccable table, often decked out with the “special” china,
October 9, 2023
Trick or Treat is for the Birds!
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
OK…it’s October…so you have to believe that we would find a way to make a connection between your backyard birds and Halloween. But trick or treat?  This ought to be fun! Let’s start with trick. Our first thought probably goes to the old adage, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” But, here are a
September 22, 2023
Changes Can be Tough
By WBU Inc | Birds
September is a month of transitions. Family vacations have come and gone, baseball begins to give way to football, and school (and all its activities) becomes the focus for many of us. Outside, the heat of summer is replaced by the cool breezes of autumn and flowers are transitioning into seeds and berries. And our
August 16, 2023
Critter Solutions
By WBU Inc | Hobby
Can you really blame critters for taking advantage of the free buffet at your backyard feeders? Finding food is a full time job for them and when they find your unprotected bird feeders, they must believe they have hit the proverbial jackpot! But sooner or later, be they determined furry critters or hordes of “nuisance”
July 18, 2023
Wonderful (and Really Tough) Woodpeckers
By WBU Inc | Birds
Woodpeckers are truly wonderful. They are some of our most loyal feeder visitors and always bring an entertaining array of activities and excitement to our backyards. But you might also call them wondrous.  This is due in no small part to their amazing assortment of adaptations which allow them to live a punishing existence that
June 15, 2023
The Joy of Nesting Birds
By WBU Inc | Uncategorized
There are a lot of things in nature that can bring you joy…to name all of them would take many pages. But most certainly one item on the list would be the sights and sounds of young birds making their first appearances in your yard and at your feeders. It’s hard to describe the emotions
May 22, 2023
Give Mom Bugs for Birds?
By WBU Inc | Feeding
Bugs? The perfect gift for mom? Really?           OK, this one is going to take some explaining! In reality, there are lots of reasons why you should seriously consider such a seemingly preposterous suggestion. You see…birds love bugs, and moms love birds. When your yard and feeders offer an abundant source of
April 12, 2023
Hummingbirds are Worth the Wait
By WBU Inc | Birds
This is especially true as you anticipate the first glimpse of a hummingbird each spring. The excitement of their arrival at your feeders is guaranteed to bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. So be patient and rest assured that hummingbirds are on their way. Their arduous 2,000 mile journey from
March 15, 2023
Bluebirds Always Bring a Smile
By WBU Inc | Birds
What is it about bluebirds? They just seem to be one of the most endearing birds to be found anywhere…but why? Maybe it’s their gentle demeanor. Social by nature and seldom alone, they rarely appear excitable or aggressive and seem to treat each other with the good-natured and calm deportment of an old friend. Truly
January 17, 2023
Helping to Tame Winter for Your Birds 
By WBU Inc | Feeding, Hobby
A high fat diet…the medical books say it’s just not good for us. Well, it’s a good thing that birds can’t read! Because a diet high in fat is an absolute necessity for many of them to be able to survive the rigors of winter. For birds, fat is fuel. It is the most concentrated
December 12, 2022
Holiday Traditions
By WBU Inc | Feeding, Hobby
Family traditions…in many ways these are what make the holidays so highly anticipated and uniquely special. Maybe it’s that very special meal, complete with all of your family’s favorite recipes and fixings. Heaven forbid if someone goes rogue and changes the menu! Perhaps it’s the tradition of a house filled with holiday music and the
November 9, 2022
Thankful for Our Birds
By WBU Inc | Birds
What did you do during the pandemic? This is a question we are likely to hear for decades to come and each of us has our own unique answer as to how we endured the seemingly endless months of social isolation. Some became experts at baking sour dough bread, others binge-watched old movies, and of
October 14, 2022
The Rebirth of a Timeless Feeder
By WBU Inc | WBU Products
Inquiring minds want to know…what is your favorite style of bird feeder? A classic tube feeder? Maybe a traditional hopper feeder? Or could it be a new-fangled seed or suet cylinder feeder? All excellent choices! But if backed into a corner, many passionate bird feeding hobbyists would all share the same answer. Their choice would
September 9, 2022
Caching: Remember or Die!
By WBU Inc | Feeding
Would you stake your life on your memory? For many of us, probably not! But if forced to, how would you deal with a situation where the ability to remember where you put some food would be the difference between life and death? Well, if you could mimic a chickadee, you would simply grow more
August 12, 2022
Water: More Important than Ever!
By WBU Inc | Birds
Water is always important! So, what’s changed to make it more important than ever? Well, if the past few years are any guide, there appears to be many more circumstances occurring in nature that are making water…especially fresh, clean water…harder to come by for birds and other wildlife. Depending on the geographic location, birds have
July 20, 2022
Don’t Stop Now! The Perks of Summer Bird Feeding
By WBU Inc | Birds
If you’ve been around bird feeding for any length of time, you’ve likely heard the old expression, “I don’t feed the birds in summer because they don’t need it!” Well, if they don’t “need it,” they sure do seem to love it! Maybe we should ask the birds if they want us to stop feeding
June 30, 2022
Wild Birds Unlimited Wins Prestigious Franchise Marketing Leadership Award
By WBU Inc | Events
Carmel, IN – Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU), the leading backyard bird feeding specialty retail franchise, walked away from this year’s Franchise Customer Experience Conference winning multiple innovation awards, including the top prize Best Marketing Leadership Award. In a field of world-class brands and franchise systems, this recognition is bestowed upon the franchise brand which created
Reb-bellied Woodpecker, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
June 1, 2022
Father’s Day is for the Birds!
By WBU Inc | Birds
Not all bird fathers are alike, that is for sure! Some are doting and devoted parents, while others are totally missing in action. So to help tell their stories, here is a quick look at a few of our favorite fathers in the world of birds. It’s debatable, but the Father-of-the-Year Award could go to
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
May 3, 2022
Hummingbirds: The Best Bird Mom Ever!
By WBU Inc | Birds
It’s mighty bold to single out a single bird type and declare them the best mom ever. Right? But let’s just see how strong a case can be made that hummingbirds are indeed the best bird moms ever! First and foremost, mother hummingbirds have to deal with the worst bird fathers ever. Her mate will
Carolina Chickadee, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
April 4, 2022
Birds & Plants: The Choices We Make Matter
By WBU Inc | Birds, Feeding
You may be thinking, “So, what is the big deal with so-called native plants? A plant is a plant. What possible difference can it make as to the choice of plants I use to landscape my yard? How can a beautiful plant not be good for birds and other wildlife?” Great question. Simple answer…bird food!
Western Bluebird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
March 6, 2022
Nesting: Bringing Bird Families Home
By WBU Inc | Birds, WBU Products
Think Spring! What a great time of year! Longer days and warmer temperatures help to rapidly reawaken the natural world around us during this true season of renewal. Our fields and forests celebrate with splashes of amazing colors…from freshly blooming wildflowers to the return of migrant songbirds decked out in their finest breeding plumage. Yes,
Mountain Chickadee, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
February 1, 2022
GBBC: As Simple as it Gets
By WBU Inc | Birds, Events, Hobby
Feeding birds…watching birds…counting birds. Yep, it must be February and these three simple actions can make a world of difference. How so? Well, it’s the month for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), which takes place over four days each February. By simply offering your birds a variety of foods and recording the activity you
Brown Creeper, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
January 6, 2022
Being Seasonally Savvy: A Wintertime Tip
By WBU Inc | Hobby, WBU Products
Let’s talk inchworms. Wait…what does that have to do with feeding birds during winter? So glad you asked. It’s really a great story. Believe it or not, inchworms are an important source of food for several of our winter birds. Inchworms are the larvae, or caterpillars, of small geometrid moths. There are more than 1,400
Common Redpoll, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
December 1, 2021
Share the Joy
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
Why do you feed the birds? Is it that wonderful moment of nature that you experience every time you glance out the windows at your feeders? Is it the true sense of peace that goes along with that little moment? Maybe it is your heightened awareness of the shifting circle of the seasons, brought home
Dark-eyed Junco, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
November 1, 2021
Be a Song Bird Hero
By WBU Inc | Birds
Sometime it’s just hard…hard to feel like we can have a positive impact on this crazy world around us. Feeling overwhelmed by the events of the past few years, many of us simply retreated to the comfort and serenity of our own backyards to regain a feeling of well-being and some semblance of control.  It
Northern Flicker, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
October 1, 2021
Being the Seasonally Savviest
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
Are you shrewd, practical and aware? Good! Then you have the savvy part down. Do you notice the changing cast of characters at your feeders throughout the year? The different levels of bird activity? The shift in food preference in some birds and not others? OK then…you are a candidate for being designated a Seasonally
Squirrel, animal photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
September 1, 2021
A Reluctant Homage to Squirrels
By WBU Inc | Hobby
There is an old saying about squirrels, “you either learn to defeat them or you just give up and feed them.” Whether you love them or loathe them…you’ve got to hand it to them. Successful they are. Kind of like the Tom Brady of the rodent family…they rapidly adjust to almost every defense you mount
Mourning Dove
August 2, 2021
Make a Splash with Your Birds
By WBU Inc | Hobby
Tired of seeing the same old birds? Hopefully, that will never happen! But honestly, don’t we all get excited to see some brand new birds in our backyards every now and then? So quickly…what is the number one thing you can do to attract the largest variety of new birds into your yard? If you
Hairy Woodpecker, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
July 2, 2021
Fabulous Feathers – Time for a Change
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
A quick quiz: What is a feather made of? And it is not, “Snips and snails, and puppy dogs’ tails.” But it is made from the same thing as a little boy’s hair…protein! Over 90% of a feather, or a hair, is made up of a tough protein called keratin. In fact, a bird’s feathers
Western Bluebird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
June 1, 2021
June: A Month for Families
By WBU Inc | Birds
June is a special month! Graduations, baseball, vacations, summer wildflowers, Father’s Day! So many things to share that bring families together. For Nature, June holds the same promise. Wildlife families are forming and they are becoming a part of your family’s world, too. On the hillside beside the house, spotted fawns are making their first
Rufous Hummingbird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
April 30, 2021
Hummingbirds – Too Good to be True!
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
Hummingbirds – Where do you start? So cool! So tiny! So unique! Certainly one of the most beautiful birds in the world and truly one of the most fascinating. What makes them so special? Size for one…or the lack there-of. They really are the smallest of all birds, and yet, with more than 330 species,
Eastern Bluebird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
April 1, 2021
Backyard Habitat – You Can Make a Difference!
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
Think of your yard as a blank slate. If you could start from scratch, what would be your ultimate landscape design? A classical French garden? An English cottage garden? Or the tried and true suburban turf grass and shrubbery design? All of these designs can bring style and beauty to your yard, but if your
Northern Cardinal, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
January 22, 2021
These Boys are for the Birds
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
There have been many surprises on our unlikely journey to becoming “birders”.  The first surprise came when I opened the housewarming gift – a bird feeder? I was so confused.  Why did my dear friends get me a bird feeder of all things – do they know me at all?   Do they really think I
Black-capped Chickadee, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
January 14, 2021
40 Years of Loving (and Saving) Song Birds
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
  A forty year love affair is a pretty special thing…especially when the love and passion are even stronger and more alive today than they were forty years ago. While trying not to be too sappy…it would be fair to say that after forty years, those of us at Wild Birds Unlimited are even more
Yellow-rumped Warbler, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
October 6, 2020
WBU Wins the Most Innovative Franchisee Support Award
By WBU Inc | Franchising
Wild Birds Unlimited received first place in the Most Innovative Franchisee Support category of the Operations Innovation Awards, presented by Franchise Update Media. Franchise Update Media conducted its second annual Franchise Innovation Awards contest this spring. The goal of the awards is to identify and recognize the franchisors creating and implementing the most original and successful innovative
Northern Mockingbird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
July 27, 2020
How to Create a Wildlife Friendly Habitat
By WBU Inc | Partnerships
Wild Birds Unlimited is proud to be the Champion for the NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program, whose goal is to inspire everyone to create a haven for wildlife in their yard. Creating a wildlife habitat-friendly habitat to attract birds, butterflies, and other neighborhood wildlife is fun, rewarding, and makes a big difference. It’s easier than
May 28, 2020
The Seventh Season of the WBU Owl Cam has Concluded
By WBU Inc | Birds
Bye Bye Babies! It’s been fun to watch Joy, Kindness, and Hope grow up during the seventh season of the WBU Owl Cam. The owls returned to the nest box this spring. Three eggs were laid in mid-March then hatched in mid-April. From incubation, to bringing all sorts of food to the nest box, preening,
Anna's Hummingbird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
April 1, 2020
All About Pollinators
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
Pollinators help to sustain a healthy environment that supports wildlife and us, too. Approximately 1/3 of all our food sources would not exist without pollinators. We need pollinators…and pollinators need our help! Many pollinator populations are in decline, due to the impact of extensive pesticide use along with the loss of natural habitats and native
Tufted Titmouse, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
November 14, 2019
Caching, What You Need to Know
By WBU Inc | Birds
Right now birds are hiding food to retrieve and eat at a later time. This behavior is called “caching” and it helps birds survive during bad weather and when food sources are low. September to December is peak caching time with up to 200 feeder visits per bird per day. You can help by keeping
Oregon Junco, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
October 16, 2019
Bird Feeding in the Fall
By WBU Inc | Hobby
Bird feeding in the fall is a little different than feeding in the summer. As we get ready for colder temperatures and birds begin migrating south, here are six bird feeding tips to get the most out of feeding in the fall. Add sunflower seeds (in and out of the shell) to your food offering
Anna's Hummingbird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
September 16, 2019
3 Ways You Can Help Hummingbirds Migrate
By WBU Inc | Birds
Beginning in August, millions of hummingbirds will migrate to Mexico and Central America as part of an instinctive migration pattern that they have followed for hundreds of years. At speeds up to 60 mph, many hummingbirds will travel a non-stop, trans-gulf flight that takes approximately 18 – 22 hours and covers 500 – 600 miles. Hummingbirds
No-Mess Seed Blend, Bird Food, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
July 25, 2019
7 Tips for Storing Bird Food
By WBU Inc | Hobby
Storing bird food correctly can ensure the seed you provide will always be healthy and nutritious. Under normal storage and use conditions, seed will stay fresh and healthy for birds until it is completely consumed. However, unusually wet or humid weather conditions or periods of slow bird activity can potentially cause bird seed to deteriorate or
Northern Cardinal, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
June 12, 2019
Bird Dads
By WBU Inc | Birds
Dads provide for us, care for us, teach us and guide us. Bird Dads are no different! In honor of Father’s Day and dads everywhere, here are some of our favorite Bird Dads. Have you ever seen birds kissing? Northern Cardinals and Western Scrub-Jays do this. The male feeds his mate seeds during courtship and
Owlets perching on box with Mama close by
May 24, 2019
A Look Back on the 2019 Owl Cam
By WBU Inc | Birds
Another season has come to an end, so let’s take a look back on the 2019 Owl Cam and the noteworthy moments that happened with our owl family. The owls returned to the nest box this spring. Two eggs were laid in early March then hatched in early April. From incubation, to bringing all sorts
Rufous Hummingbird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
April 18, 2019
Hummingbirds Are Coming, Are You Ready?
By WBU Inc | Birds
Hummingbirds are making the journey north. You can track their progress by going to the Journey North website. These miniature marvels have been migrating between North and Central America for thousands of years, a round trip in which millions of hummingbirds instinctively participate in. Hummingbirds are coming, here is how you can get ready for
Eastern Bluebird, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
February 22, 2019
2 Ways You Can Help the Birds this Nesting Season
By WBU Inc | Birds
Nesting season is just around the corner. A new generation of birds will soon be entering the world. The food and housing we provide can make a significant difference on how well they will thrive and survive in our own backyards. Here are two tips to help you help the birds this nesting season. 1.
Mountain Chickadee, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
January 16, 2019
The Best Foods for Birds During Winter
By WBU Inc | Birds
The best foods for birds during winter are high calorie and high fat foods. So, in the winter, you may need to change some of the foods you offer to birds. In periods of cold and severe winter weather, birds may use feeders as the critical source of food that enables them to survive from
Chestnut-backed Chickadee, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
December 20, 2018
A Look Back on the Year of the Bird
By WBU Inc | Birds, Partnerships
This year we partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and we were privileged to work with National Geographic and Bird Life International to celebrate the Year of the Bird. As 2018 comes to an end, let’s reflect back on the Year of the Bird. 2018 was proclaimed the Year of
Reb-bellied Woodpecker, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
November 26, 2018
3 Ways You Can Help Birds Survive Winter
By WBU Inc | Birds
In much of North America, winter can be a difficult time for birds. The days are short, and nights are often cold and long. The natural food supply has been consumed or is hidden by snow and most insects are dead or dormant. Water can be hard to find, and food needed to provide the
EcoTough Ranchette Retreat, Bird Feeder, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
October 18, 2018
What’s a Foundational Feeder?
By WBU Inc | Birds, WBU Products
Are you looking to attract more birds to your yard? Foundational feeders are an essential part of any backyard bird feeding station. You can get the most out of your backyard bird feeding experience by getting started with one today. What is a foundational feeder? A foundational feeder is a feeder that contains a reliable
Painted Bunting, bird photo, Wild Birds Unlimited, WBU
September 14, 2018
3 Ways You Can Help Migrating Birds This Fall
By WBU Inc | Birds
More than 300 bird species found in North America during the summer will migrate to Latin America or the Caribbean, some covering distances of nearly 7,000 miles. Parks, backyards and nature refuges across the country will host these winged visitors for the next few weeks as the birds make their way to their fall and
February 1, 2017
Home is Where the Nest Is
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby, WBU Products
Believe it or not, some birds like bluebirds and chickadees are now scoping out neighborhoods to raise a family. They are looking for potential home sites (such as tree cavities or nest boxes) and reliable food sources. A bird’s primary consideration when choosing a nesting site is security. Protection from predators and proximity to food
January 19, 2017
Splish! Splash! Attract More Birds with Water.
By WBU Inc | WBU Products
We carry so many bird baths it is hard to describe exactly what you might find at our stores. Bird baths and bird fountains are made out of every conceivable material, in every shape and size and can be placed anywhere you wish: on pedestals, chains, or decks. We have recirculating fountains, big and small.
December 20, 2016
Wild Birds Unlimited Helps Consumers Give the Gift of Backyard Bird Feeding with Limited Holiday Collection
By WBU Inc | WBU Products
BY: CASSIDY MCALOON |SPONSORED: 1851 Franchise Magazine The brand’s holiday gift sales have the potential to determine future growth and product development initiatives. Holiday shopping season is in full swing. Through the rest of the year, malls will be packed and online shopping carts will be full with the usual selection of toys and technological
December 14, 2016
Wild Birds Unlimited Expands Reach in North Carolina Thanks to Local Multi-Unit Franchisees
By WBU Inc | Franchising
BY: MEGAN FERRINGER |Sponsored: 1851 Before becoming a Wild Birds Unlimited multi-unit franchisee, Heidi Muma started as one of the brand’s best customers. Living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Heidi fell in love with the bluebirds that frequented her backyard day after day. So when a new Wild Birds Unlimited opened up in the same
November 23, 2016
The Restaurant in Your Backyard
By WBU Inc | Hobby
        You’re traveling down the highway and need to eat. Your restaurant choices are Shady Ray’s or Chez Cuisine. Shady Ray’s looks like it hasn’t been cleaned since The Depression, about the same time their food was considered fresh. Chez Cuisine features pristine conditions and only the finest foods. So where do
September 9, 2016
Keeping Birds Healthy
By WBU Inc | Hobby
If you love watching birds, then you want to make sure they return to your yard again and again! If they find a relatively safe habitat with fresh food and water, chances are they will come back – frequently. There are several things you can do in your yard to ensure the health of your
September 2, 2016
Making the Most of Late Summer
By WBU Inc | Birds, Hobby
          Though this month marks the beginning of the end of summer, there are still plenty of opportunities to help birds and maximize your backyard enjoyment. Hummingbird Migration Millions of hummingbirds are preparing to fly back to their winter ranges. Hummingbirds have been migrating between North and Central America for hundreds
August 4, 2016
Test Post
By WBU Inc | Hobby
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