Did you know that All Seasons Wild Bird Store has a YouTube channel? We posted our first video in May of 2015, a video where Store Manager Linda Gorr demonstrated raising Monarch butterflies (https://youtu.be/uLMTzx03Zzo?si=L607kKPntlSP8oh0). Since then, to date we’ve posted 97 total videos, covering topics like: feeding backyard birds, bird identification, seasonal information, product tips, migration, landscaping, and more. Most…
Although the food we provide in feeders to backyard birds is much appreciated by our feathered visitors, it is only a fraction of the food consumed in wild birds’ diets. Wild birds feast on natural sources of seeds and nectar and dine on all manner of insects. The latter are especially preferred by nesting birds because they provide protein-dense…
Our Minnetonka Store Manager Shares How She Adapts Her Backyard Feeding Stations To Accommodate Seasonal Changes The early days of a new year are a time of reflection and evaluation. Looking back over the last year, I’ve come to appreciate a pattern of seasonal changes in the way I feed the birds in my backyard. Rather than approaching the set-up…
ANN”S WINDOW TO NATURE According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, upwards of 1/3 of all US adults are participating in some kind of recreational activity or hobby related to birds and nature. As scientists have revealed, bird feeding and birdwatching brings nature to into our daily lives, and with it all the many benefits to physical, and mental health…
Take advantage of these savings and specials to treat yourself and your birds. Plus, save on some great feeders and seed for gift-giving. Free gifts and Songbird Delight special Enjoy a free $10 Gift Card with a purchase of $100 or more (after discounts). Save on Songbird Delight: take $5 off a 10-lb. bag or $10 off a 30-lb bag.…
Ann’s Window To Nature Over the past few years, more and more of our beloved customers have been impacted by cancer. Men. Women. Young. Old. They come in wearing ball caps, scarves, turbans, and beanies. They are a little slower, a little thinner, and a little unsteady but they brighten a bit and smile while sharing bird stories and sightings.…
Different species of backyard birds have different food preferences. You can optimize which birds you’d like to attract by carefully selecting foods and feeders. For more information, visit https://wildbirdstore.com or talk with any of our local backyard birding experts at any local and family-owned All Seasons Wild Bird Store location.
ANN’S WINDOW TO NATURE Those of us who feed the birds are part of a long and rich tradition. Someone introduced us to birds, bird watching, and bird feeding. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe it was by accident. Either way, we count ourselves fortunate to be part of an amazing group of people dedicated to birds and nature reaching back…
ANN’S WINDOW TO NATURE Connecting with nature can be done indoors. Yep. Consider watching the birds from your window or reading a book on bird behavior. In fact, we can readily connect with nature in many ways. Consider sketching, painting, journaling, photography, and even games and puzzles. When it’s wet and cold outside consider setting up a family puzzle table. We…
American Goldfinches are our latest songbirds to nest, timing their broods to the ripening of Canadian Thistle. Because of this, they have particular feeding needs in the late summer/early autumn. Also, goldfinches have a late-season molt that may make them unrecognizable to the uninitiated. Around all winter, goldfinches appreciate a heartier seed once temperatures drop. Video content adapted from an…
Autumn is an active time for finches, especially for late-nesting American Goldfinches. Here are some tips for attracting and feeding finches this autumn. Expert tip: During nesting season (July and August) and throughout September, goldfinches are particularly drawn to Nyjer® and Nyjer® mixes as they feed young and teach them how to forage. Nyjer® and Nyjer® mixes are best served…
Note: this is the full interview with Russ Sandstrom. A summary of his photography tips is published in the Sept/Oct 2024 Bird’s-Eye View Newsletter. What is your earliest memory of a bird? (Is there one that sparked your interest or curiosity?) I wasn’t really into birding at the time, but when I was a teenager, I remember seeing a…
Swallows are found around the world, on all continents, including Antarctica. Here in Minnesota, you can find three species of swallows: Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, and Cliff Swallow. Barn Swallows are sparrow-sized, with a steely blue back, wings and tail, and tan-to-white underparts. Their throat and forehead feature rusty spots. Their tail extends beyond the wingtips and the long outer…
ANN’S WINDOW TO NATURE The “dog days of summer” are here and the kids are “BORED!” How about a fun, inexpensive, outdoor activity? Break up the day by getting them outside for bit of sunshine, and fresh air each day. They will benefit greatly from a change in scenery and time away from screens. Set up a bird feeding…