Wild Birds Unlimited

04/02/2021

Native Plant for April. Butterflies love this one!

04/01/2021

Project FeederWatch

April Nature Happenings:

Project Feeder Watch Ends this month, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw

Spring flowers in bloom,

Begin to monitor nest boxes after the middle of the month.

South winds bring major waves of migrating birds such as thrushes and warblers.

Green Herons arrive.

Woodcocks continue their "sky dance" courtship flights.

Hummingbirds arrive. Be sure of have their feeders ready.

Purple Martins arrive by mid-month.

Buttercups, Lady's Slipper and Trilliums join the Virginia Bluebells.

Start looking for Mayapples at the end of the month.

Lyrids meteor shower, late April.

Earth day is April 22nd.

Count Feeder Birds for Science

03/31/2021

Join John and Brian as they introduce you to one of the coolest ways to experience the lives of a Barred Owl family.

You’ll find out why so many people across the world are tuning in to watch this live owl nest cam.

They also have a very special guest that will give you some fun background information and history of the owl cam.

https://naturecentered.podbean.com/

03/31/2021

As of March 30, 2021 ruby throated hummingbirds have made it to Richmond! Time to get your feeders out!

Keep track of their progress by clicking on the link below.

hummingbirdcentral.com

03/30/2021

Flap your wings and celebrate because it's spring!

It's a great time to feed the birds and help them with all of their nesting season needs.

03/29/2021

Spring migration brings a show of ever-changing characters through your yard including hummingbirds, orioles and warblers. Next comes nesting season, watch for parents bringing their fledglings to your feeders.

Get ready for a fun-filled season in your backyard!

03/28/2021

Nesting Fun Facts!

The American Goldfinch is one of the latest breeding songbirds, waiting to nest until mid-to-late summer when thistle seeds and down are readily available.

Goldfinches prefer to nest in habitats with trees and shrubs and usually place their nest four to ten feet high, often near a water source (such as a bird bath).

03/27/2021

American Robin Nesting Notes.

Robins usually return to the same area to nest each year and may occasionally use last year's nest again after some renovation.

The robin will use mud in it's nest to give it strength. You can put out a pan of mud and nesting materials (dry grasses, small twigs) and watch the robins come collect materials to make their nests.

Unlike most birds, robins do not lay their eggs at sunrise. They lay their eggs several hours later during the mid-morning. Since earthworms are easier to find in the early morning, they feed first thing in the morning and then return to their nest to lay their eggs.

03/26/2021

Fun Fact Friday !

A Few Neat Nesting Notes:

Q: Which bird lays the largest known clutch of eggs?

A: Northern Bobwhite quail have been known to lay 28 eggs in a single nest!

Q: Which bird raises the most broods of young in single year?

A: A Mourning Dove can have up to six broods per year.

Q: Which bird has the shortest incubation time before their eggs hatch?

A: The eggs of several song birds, such as the Black-capped Chickadees take only 11 days to hatch after being laid.

Q: Which bird has the longest incubation period in North America?

A: The California Condor incubate its eggs for up to 50 days before they hatch.

Q: Which is the oldest known bird to successfully raise young?

A: A Laysan Albatross has successfully nested on Midway Island for past 70 years!

03/25/2021

Wow! Follow this link to check out more amazing photos from the winners of the Project Feederwatch BirdSpotter 2020-2021 Photo Contest!

Congratulations to Pam Garcia, the Project FeederWatch Birdspotter first place Grand Prize winner! Her capture of a Baltimore Oriole, Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and a Northern Cardinal (can you spot it?) "negotiating" over an orange with jelly was a fun, colorful entry in category 2, "It's a Numbers Game." Thanks to Wild Birds Unlimited for sponsoring the Birdspotter photo contest. Stay tuned for more winners, or visit our site to see them all: https://buff.ly/2WCfGw7

03/25/2021

Native Plants for Birds - Featured plant for March. One of my favorites!

03/25/2021

Spring Native Plant Sale!

Beautiful spring blooming flowers, shrubs, trees, vines and ferns will all be available at the Native Plant Sale taking place at Morven Park.

Hill House Farm & Nursery and Watermark Woods will have a huge selection of native plants for sale.

Native plant experts will be on hand to answer questions and help you choose the right plants for your garden.

Please note: COVID related state guidelines will be followed and all attendees must wear a mask.

For more information and updates visit:
www.loudounwildlife.org/event/spring-native-plant-sa

03/24/2021

Wild Birds Unlimited Recommends Responsible Bird Feeding

If you enjoy feeding and watching your backyard birds, then you probably want to do as much as you can to practice your hobby safely and ensure the birds’ overall health and well-being.

While the incidence of birds falling ill from feeders is small compared to other natural hazards birds face, there are things you can do to help your birds stay healthy.

Provide multiple feeding stations in different areas of your yard to disperse bird activity.

Provide seed from a bird feeder rather than scattering it on the ground.
Keep areas clean under and around your feeders.

Keep fresh seed in the feeder and be sure it doesn’t get moldy.
Clean your bird feeders regularly with a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water.

The following strategies will help improve the health and safety of birds when the spread of avian diseases is a concern.

If feeder birds are exhibiting disease symptoms, then remove all feeders so local birds can disperse and utilize natural food sources.

Clean and sanitize all bird feeders, bird baths and hardware with a 10% bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water) solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to completely dry before refilling feeders. Continue to sanitize feeders every few days.

Rake up and discard seed debris and bird droppings from the ground below and around feeders. Continue to clean these areas on a regular basis.

Give the birds more space. If using multiple feeders, place the feeders farther apart from one another. This will reduce crowding, lower stress and lessen the potential for disease transmission between sick and healthy birds.

Only use feeders that can be easily cleaned. Replace wooden feeders with ones made of plastic or recycled materials for easier cleaning.

Bird feeders with cracks and crevices are difficult to sanitize and should not be used.

Remove open tray and platform feeders that allow f***l material and food to come into contact with each other.

Use antimicrobial bird feeders such as Wild Birds Unlimited EcoClean® Feeders. These feeders have built-in antimicrobial product protection on the treated surfaces.

If finch populations are involved:
- Initially reintroduce foods and feeders that will not attract finches (suet, safflower, peanuts, hummingbird feeders, etc.
- Reinstall finch feeders and food after an additional two weeks.

Limit the amount of seed you provide. Offer only as much food as the birds will eat in one or two days.
Store all bird seed in rodent- and insect-proof containers to avoid contamination.

Always discard any seed that has become wet, moldy or foul smelling.

Avoid handling sick birds and always wash your hands with soap and water after filling bird feeders.

For other tips or questions, stop by our store and talk to one of our Certified Bird Feeding Specialists.

03/23/2021

Our store made it to the TOP 5 in the category of Shopping - Specialty Retail Store!! Last day to vote is Friday, Mar.26th. Thank you for your support! https://www.loudountimes.com/best/#//

03/23/2021

During nesting season, birds need all the energy they can muster. You can help by filling your feeders with Nesting SuperBlend™ available exclusively from Wild Birds Unlimited.

It provides birds a super-boost of the protein and calcium they need as they build a nest, lay eggs, raise their young, and go through their post-nesting molt.

03/22/2021

In this episode, John and Brian will open your eyes to a whole new perspective of what it’s like to be a baby bird or the bird parents raising a family. You will learn what to do and what not to do to help bring the next generation of birds to life in your backyard.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

03/22/2021

The Ruby Throated Hummingbirds Are Coming! Want to be able to track the ruby throated hummingbird's spring migration?

Here's a great tool to do just that!

Follow the link below.

https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration-spring-2021-map.htm

03/21/2021

The WBU Owl Cam is livestreaming now! A mama Barred Owl has set up residence in our owl nest box again this year and you can see inside with our WBU Owl Cam. If all goes well, we can expect the owlets to start hatching in mid-April. They'll leave the nest four to five weeks after hatching. www.wbu.com/owl-cam

03/19/2021

Nesting Fun Facts Friday!

Chickadees are cavity nesters. They will excavate their own nest site in a rotten or decaying wood, use an old woodpecker hole or use a nesting box. They will add a cozy nest on top of a moss base.

During the breeding season male cardinals may sing 200 or more songs per hour in the early morning hours. He will defend a breeding territory ranging from two to 10 acres. Watch how busy he is once his mate is on the nest as he will provide her food and protect the nest.

03/17/2021

Wishing you a pot o' gold and all the joy your heart can hold. 🍀 #happystpatricksday

03/15/2021

Spring migration brings a show of ever-changing characters through your yard including hummingbirds, orioles and warblers. Next comes nesting season, watch for parents bringing their fledglings to your feeders. Get ready for a fun-filled season in your backyard!

03/15/2021

Wild Birds Unlimited's cover photo

03/12/2021

Second Egg Laid! | WBU Barred Owl Cam

And then there were two! Our favorite Barred Owl family added another egg to the nest box. The female revealed her second egg at around 6:30 AM on March 11 while taking an incubation break. It was first spotted under the female at around 3 AM. Who thinks there will be a third egg?

Watch LIVE at www.wbu.com/owl-cam/

03/12/2021

Fun Fact Friday! Fun facts about nesting.

A bird's primary consideration when choosing a nesting site is security. Protection from predators and proximity to food is of vital importance to the success of a bird's offspring.

Abundant and easily obtained sources of food allow for more time to be devoted to better nest site selection and construction of higher quality nests, along with more time and energy to be vigilant in defense of the nesting territory from interlopers and predators.

03/11/2021

New episode!
🐣
In this episode, John and Brian will open your eyes to a whole new perspective of what it’s like to be a baby bird or the bird parents raising a family. You will learn what to do and what not to do to help bring the next generation of birds to life in your backyard. www.wbu.com/podcast/

03/08/2021

Eggciting News!
🥚
On 3/8 at 2:56 PM, we have our first egg! This WBU Barred Owl cam egg made its on cam debut this afternoon. Congratulations to our Barred Owl couple and we are hoping for a successful season. Watch now at www.wbu.com/owl-cam/

03/08/2021

Wild Birds Unlimited's cover photo

03/08/2021

March Nature Happenings

Project Feeder Watch continues.
Crows begin nesting.
Dogwood and Cherry trees begin to bloom.
Ospreys begin looking for nests sites mid-march.
Prepare and install boxes for cavity-nesting birds.
Peak of spring waterfowl migration.
Look for early spring migrants to return to the area.
Woodcocks are doing courtship flights.
Red-winged Blackbirds, Swallows and Phoebes begin to arrive this month.
Bluebirds stake out their territory. Be sure to have their houses ready.
Goldfinches begin to molt into their brilliant yellow plumage.

03/03/2021

2021 WBU Barred Owl Cam Launches For New Breeding Season

Guess whooo? The Barred Owl cam is back in 2021! Over the past couple of weeks, the female has been visiting the nest box, scraping at the nest substrate and hooting back and forth with her mate. We are excited to launch the cam a bit earlier than normal this year so that our viewers can enjoy the anticipation that comes with waiting for the first egg—which could arrive at any moment! Watch LIVE at www.wbu.com/owl-cam

This year we’ve also upgraded the cam streams to 1080p resolution on both the interior and exterior views, so strap in for another “hoot” of a breeding season live from the backyard of our President and CEO Jim Carpenter in Zionsville, Indiana.

03/02/2021

We know you care about the birds and other wildlife in your backyard. Now there's a way to show your commitment by turning your yard, balcony garden or other landscape into a space which provides everything they need to thrive! We are proud to Champion the National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Program. Certify your space to and enjoy watching your corner of nature come to life! www.wbu.com/certify-your-yard

02/27/2021

How's the weather where you're at? After it snows, supplement your usual feeders to feed the hungry birds with hummingbird feeder bases and even dish sleds! Of course these won’t work if more snow or rain arrives, but work great to increase your offering in various ways quickly.

Also, tramp down some snow and put some blends on top, many species of sparrows may show up that might be new to your feeding station. In this case, a Tree Sparrow, but also look out for White-throated, White-crowned, Song and Fox.

02/26/2021

Last day to bid on one of these beautiful bird houses or other cool items! It is a great way to support the efforts of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Bidding ends at 10pm Saturday, February 27th but donations are always appreciated.

02/25/2021

Join John and Brian as they discuss one of the most common birds in the wintertime that most people seem to miss. In this episode, they’re talking all things Junco. You’ll learn why it’s called the gray ghost and how you can bring it to your yard. https://www.wbu.com/podcast/

02/22/2021

Many insect eating birds like Eastern Bluebirds and Pileated Woodpeckers enjoy suet, particularly in the winter. It is loaded with fat which they need to survive these cold winter nights! Thank you to Karen Bateman, one of our lovely customers, for sending these photos which were taken at her home in northern Virginia.

02/22/2021

Have you seen a streaked goldfinch at your feeder? Pine Siskins are on the move and joining finches at feeders eating Nyjer® and sunflower chips. Here are the differences with some basic identification clues.
Pine Siskin
-Thinner, more sharply pointed bill than other finches
-Heavily streaked head and body
-Small, like goldfinches
Goldfinches & Finches
-Shorter, stouter bill
-No streaking
Can you ID the birds in the photo?

02/19/2021

UPDATE - We are OPEN today, 2/19/21 for all of your bird feeding needs! Don't forget you can also order on our website 24/7 for curbside pickup or to have bird food delivered directly to your door. Check out myWBU.com/ashburn

02/18/2021

The mama came into the box for the first time on 2/13/2021 at 11:00 pm EST for 5 minutes. She settled in for a few minutes, as if on eggs to test it out.
🦉
Last year, Mama first checked the box out on Feb 11th. She then checked the box out for a few minutes just about every night in February until the stays became longer. By the end of February, there were also visits from Papa. She then laid the first egg on March 9, so we seem to be on our way to another season! 🤞🏽

02/18/2021

***WE ARE CLOSED TODAY (THURSDAY, 2/18/21) DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER***
Check here or our website wbu.com/ashburn for updates. Stay safe and enjoy the birds!

02/17/2021

From our exclusive seed blends and suets to nectar and insects, we offer a variety of foods to help you attract the widest variety of birds to your yard. All of our foods feature the highest quality ingredients, so you can be sure you're offering the best to your backyard dinner guests. What foods are you feeding in your yard right now?

02/14/2021

Happy Valentine's Day from WBU, please enjoy this romantic poem.
💘
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
We love birds,
You should, too.
🐦
#happyvalentinesday

02/14/2021

Join John and Brian as they reveal the secret love life of birds, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
They’ll share a few tidbits about birds and their lives together. You may start to look at the birds in your yard a little differently after this.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

02/12/2021

Join John and Brian as they reveal the secret love life of birds, just in time for Valentine’s Day! They’ll share a few tidbits about birds and their lives together. You may start to look at the birds in your yard a little differently after this. www.wbu.com/podcast