From Craft Fair Bird House to Native Bird Habitat and Feeding Stations

By Minnetonka—Westwind Plaza Senior Sales Associate Sharon Veno

I have always had a love of nature. My venture into bird feeding started at a craft fair. I bought a cute bird feeder thinking it would be adorable garden art. That began the adventure of feeding birds, in Columbus, Ohio; in our sixth year of marriage at our third house.

Whenever I travel, I watch birds. Early on, the Magpies in England were intriguing. I didn’t have those at home! A trip to Costa Rica was focused on bird watching. Though we saw a great many birds the biggest thrill was actually seeing the elusive Three-wattled Bellbird. It is one of the loudest birds in the world. They are easy to hear but difficult to see in the tree canopy.

In 1993, we moved to a bare lot in a new development in Chanhassen. As the grass grew in and the trees grew up, so did my hobby of feeding and housing birds. I found the All Seasons Wild Bird Store in Minnetonka, Westwind Plaza in the early 2000’s and added to the feeding stations and nest boxes. In 2007, I became an employee at the store.

Over time, the Chanhassen property hosted many birds with native plants, a native prairie garden, many bird feeders and housing for chickadees, wrens and bluebirds—all spaced appropriately to avoid conflicts! We were able to share our love of birds with our guests. The feeders on the deck brought birds in for close-up viewing including hummingbirds, Rose-breasted grosbeaks, orioles and bluebirds. We even had a Green Heron on the deck rail! My favorite bird is the Black-capped Chickadee. They just seem so happy and friendly, and they don’t leave us in the winter!

Moving further west to a new home has brought opportunities to establish new feeding stations and nesting sites. This property attracts a bit different flock of birds and assorted wildlife. One of our new favorite activities is watching Bald Eagles build a nest and raise young.

Whether you are hanging your first feeder or adding to a long-established bird friendly habitat, stop in and see us. We love to hear about your latest bird sighting and share in your excitement as you feed birds. It has been a privilege to get to know many of you over the last 17 years as we enjoy this bird feeding adventure together.