Blog
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Event Recap: Goldcrest Distributing 2023 Wild Bird Expo The Wild Bird Feeding Institute (WBFI) took flight to Mexico, MO for an unforgettable experience at Goldcrest Distributing‘s Wild Bird Expo from October 10-12, 2023. As the event’s tagline promised, “We guarantee you’ll benefit from coming, as we’re dedicated to helping you be more successful!” The event kicked off with an Oktoberfest celebration, where attendees could enjoy delectable food and refreshing drinks all while starting their shopping…
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2023 Winter Finch Forecast: Understanding Finch Movements and Bird Feeding Every year, the wild bird feeding industry looks forward to the Finch Research Network (FiRN) Winter Finch Forecast to project finch movement, and therefore, where a boost in seed sales and products may take place. The Winter Finch Forecast for 2023-2024 presents a dynamic picture of finch movements, varying in intensity and distribution among different species. While the forecasts primarily apply to Ontario and neighboring…
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Transitioning Bird Care from Summer to Fall During the warm summer months, birds have access to a wide variety of insects, fruits, and nectar-rich flowers. This abundance of food helps them raise their young and store energy for migration or the coming winter. As fall approaches, food sources dwindle, prompting birds to adjust their diets significantly. One noticeable change is the shift from insects and fruits to seeds. Many seed-eating birds, such as finches, sparrows,…
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WBFI Member Spotlight – Ryan Zantingh Meet Ryan Zantingh, Armstrong Milling’s Supply Chain Manager, a dedicated member of the Wild Bird Feeding Institute, and a WBFI board member. Armstrong in the early years grew by servicing the farm and pet retail industry, making very custom mixes to service their customers with unique products. In the mid-90s, Armstrong purchased a larger mill in Nelles Corners that was originally created to make animal feeds. This facility…
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Hot Tips for Cool Birds: Caring for Feathered Friends During the Summer Heat Extreme weather events like heat waves emphasize the urgent nature of the climate crisis. Recent heat waves have shattered records worldwide, and summers are predicted to become even more sweltering. Our feathered friends are particularly vulnerable to this hazardous trend and are an additional threat to bird population declines. Rising global temperatures threaten the survival of numerous bird species in North America…
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Introducing WBFI Member Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Birding Attention bird lovers! WBFI is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting initiative – the Inaugural Member Awards Program. This program aims to honor exceptional contributions to the world of wild bird feeding, highlighting remarkable individuals, products, and retailers that help make our avian hobby thrive. At WBFI, we’re dedicated to nurturing a community that appreciates the beauty of wild birds while promoting their well-being through…
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WBFI Soars High in Top 10 Canadian Bird Blogs List The birding community in Canada has something to chirp about! WBFI has been recognized as one of the top 25 Canadian Bird Blogs, ranking at number 10 on the list. Compiled by Feedspot, this comprehensive ranking is a result of a rigorous assessment based on relevancy, blog post frequency, freshness, social media influence, domain authority, and more. WBFI’s inclusion in this esteemed list is an…
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The Soothing Melody of Birds: Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Nature’s Song In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, finding solace and tranquility is becoming increasingly challenging. As our lives become more interconnected and demanding, it’s crucial to carve out time for nature and its remarkable healing powers. A recent study featured in The Washington Post sheds light on the mental health benefits of birdsong, showcasing the profound impact that the harmonies of nature can…
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WBFI Member Spotlight – Karen Burns Karen Burns, Vice President of Operations at Cosmed Group and Board Member of WBFI, has been with WBFI since the 1980s when annual meetings were held in Kansas City, MO. At the time, meetings were held in conjunction with the Western Seedsmen, and Karen was one of the few females that attended these meetings. When asked if she had pictures to share, she took a trip down memory…
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How Citizen Scientists are Revolutionizing Avian Research Bird watching, a timeless hobby enjoyed by nature enthusiasts around the world, has taken on a new dimension thanks to the rise of citizen science. In recent years, an increasing number of bird watchers have become active participants in scientific research, contributing valuable data that aid in conservation efforts and provide insights into avian behavior. You don’t need to be a specialist or have specific tools to make…
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